Hollywood’s glamorous heyday may have ended in the 1960s but it is alive and well at Loew’s Jersey Theatre. Find it dominating Journal Square, a bustling cultural hub in the heart of Jersey City. Whether you come to see a show or just to admire its magnificence, you won’t be disappointed.
In 1929, Loew’s opened five grandiose Wonder Theatres in and around New York City. Jersey Theatre, the only venue located outside of the Five Boroughs, is one of the few still used for entertainment purposes. It was closed in 1986, but saved from demolition when the city of Jersey City purchased it. For a decade, a volunteer group called Friends of the Loew’s painstakingly restored the theater. Enjoy the fruits of their labors today, including the magnificent working pipe organ.
Pause outside and admire the massive sandstone structure, built in an ornate Baroque style. Check the time on the large clock, which has been ticking away on the top of the building for over a century. Inside, the lobby is a lavish mélange of gold and red. Note the intricately carved balconies and towering marble columns. Move on to the auditorium, where over a thousand seats slope down toward the sweeping stage. Don’t forget to look up at the gilded barrel vaulted ceiling, anchored by an ornate chandelier, a sight not to be missed.
The theater’s red velvet seats are once more ready for visitors. Sit back and look upon the stage that hosted the stars of yesteryear, including Duke Ellington, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Jean Harlow. Today, the theater is a not-for-profit arts center that features music, plays and movies that showcase multicultural American entertainment. Listen to a concert or watch a classic film. See performances from the dozens of ethnic groups living in Jersey City. Take the children to a youngster-targeted program or watch a comedy routine.
Hours vary depending on the programming, but check out Loew’s Jersey Theatre Monday through Friday. Get your tickets at the box office about 45 minutes before an event begins. Check with the box office or online for a current schedule. Parking is available, for a fee, in lots and garages located within easy walking distance of the theater.
