Built by Durkee Enterprises and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this Baltimore City icon opened on October 5th, 1939 and was designed by architect John J. Zink. The first movie to run at The Senator was “Stanley and Livingstone” with Spencer Tracy.
Prior to 2013 it was the last remaining single screen first run movie theatre in Baltimore. In April of 2012, The Senator closed for a $3.5 million major restoration effort and reopened in October 2013 featuring three additional auditoriums, a restaurant space, which is now home to the award winning Clark Burger, and the rehabilitated original auditorium with a 40′ silver screen. The theatre features:
- A fully digital system with NEC projectors
- Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound
- Preserved 35mm film projectors in the main auditorium
- A mezzanine level with two private lounges that overlook the historic main auditorium, which served early on as a nursery for moviegoers to drop off their kids while they enjoy a movie, and now serve dual purpose as “cry-rooms” for families with noisy babies and birthday/company party rentals.
Throughout the years, The Senator has helped raise millions of dollars for local and national organizations through events such as their holiday annual food drive that features a free screening of Frank Capra’s 1946 classic “It’s A Wonderful Life” that benefits a local organization. The Senator has also hosted several world premieres and has been featured in music videos, commercials, and films, including “12 Monkeys”, “Avalon”, “Cecil B. Demented”, and many others.
Visit The Senator and you’re first greeted by the commemorative sidewalk blocks that showcase events and premieres that have been hosted there. Look closely and you’ll find the names and signatures of directors such as Barry Levinson and John Waters, stars such as Kathleen Turner, Johnny Depp and Edward Norton, and even special guests such as Muhammad Ali.
THE SENATOR THEATRE
5904 York Road | Baltimore, MD 21212
www.TheSenatorTheatre.com