Uploaded May 2023 | Updated September 2026, 10 minutes ago
Proctors Palace Theatre located in Newark, New Jersey is a dual theatre, on top of each other. By the time I explored this place, the lower and larger theatre is mainly collapsed and no seats on the upper level, and also very dark. I didn't know much about this and I didn't even know that there were 2 theatres! So after climbing the stairs, I came across the theatre that was well lit and more intact! These 2 theatres combined could hold over 4,000 people! Proctors Palace opened its doors in late 1915. This twin theatre is a shocking 10 story building and in the main lobby, has 40 foot ceilings, that welcome the attendees to this beautiful place. Of course the lower theatre was bigger, about 2x bigger than the other (2x the seat capacity too). On May 14th, 1929, Mr. Proctor sold this facility due to his health becoming an issue, and unfortunately passed away a few months later. Once this facility was sold, it was renamed to "RKO Proctor's Theatre". Now, time to talk about the decline of this place... in 1931, there were many complaints about poor visibily from the higher seats and also the demand was low. The main theatre started to show actual movies and turn into more of a movie theatre that we know of today. Around 1950's, they installed new and updated surround sound and higher picture/ screen quality. The upper and smaller theatre wasn't used as much as the main one of course, but when it was used, it showed foreign films. On November 21st, 1966, the Theatre closed and there were a few attempts to keep it in use but unfortunately it did not work. In 1967, Newark became a total mess which is the same now but that is my opinion but you'll see for yourself if you visit Newark... The theater officially closed in 1968. Fun fact, this facility was used by Essex County College while the college campus was under renovation... But now sits abandoned and hidden in plain sight.
#explore #exploring #urbex #urbanexploration #abandoned #abandonedplaces #newjersey
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Instagram: instagram.com/thehopsinfan
Twitter: twitter.com/thehopsinfan
Thank you instagram.com/lostboyforev3r for bringing this place to my attention!
Proctors Palace Theatre located in Newark, New Jersey is a dual theatre, on top of each other. By the time I explored this place, the lower and larger theatre is mainly collapsed and no seats on the upper level, and also very dark. I didn't know much about this and I didn't even know that there were 2 theatres! So after climbing the stairs, I came across the theatre that was well lit and more intact! These 2 theatres combined could hold over 4,000 people! Proctors Palace opened its doors in late 1915. This twin theatre is a shocking 10 story building and in the main lobby, has 40 foot ceilings, that welcome the attendees to this beautiful place. Of course the lower theatre was bigger, about 2x bigger than the other (2x the seat capacity too). On May 14th, 1929, Mr. Proctor sold this facility due to his health becoming an issue, and unfortunately passed away a few months later. Once this facility was sold, it was renamed to "RKO Proctor's Theatre". Now, time to talk about the decline of this place... in 1931, there were many complaints about poor visibily from the higher seats and also the demand was low. The main theatre started to show actual movies and turn into more of a movie theatre that we know of today. Around 1950's, they installed new and updated surround sound and higher picture/ screen quality. The upper and smaller theatre wasn't used as much as the main one of course, but when it was used, it showed foreign films. On November 21st, 1966, the Theatre closed and there were a few attempts to keep it in use but unfortunately it did not work. In 1967, Newark became a total mess which is the same now but that is my opinion but you'll see for yourself if you visit Newark... The theater officially closed in 1968. Fun fact, this facility was used by Essex County College while the college campus was under renovation... But now sits abandoned and hidden in plain sight.
#explore #exploring #urbex #urbanexploration #abandoned #abandonedplaces #newjersey
Follow me on:
Instagram: instagram.com/thehopsinfan
Twitter: twitter.com/thehopsinfan
Thank you instagram.com/lostboyforev3r for bringing this place to my attention!
