The State
The State Theater
Ithaca, New York

The large second-story windows are a clue to the State Theatre’s original use -- an automobile showroom. In 1928, the building underwent an elaborate conversion from the Bovard Brothers’ Security Garage to a state-of-the-art theater.

Its interior, perhaps Ithaca's most unusual and significant, is a mix of Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance motifs. The elaborate painted ceiling has tiny lights resembling stars. Outside, both the ticket booth and billboards feature Renaissance detailing.

In 1996, the State Theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as an excellent example of early 20th century "movie palace" architecture. In 1998 Historic Ithaca purchased the theatre when it was threatened with demolition and is in the process of restoring the structure.