860-296-1134
THE ART CINEMA 255 Franklin Avenue, Hartford, CT, United States
history of
the art cinema
The Art Cinema is the last remaining adult cinema in town and has been showing X-Rated features for decades. The theater seats 601 (350 on the main level, 251 on the balcony) and still has a 35mm projector, but it is not used at all because all adult films are on DVD and Blu-Ray.
THE VIDEO AGE
& the new milenium
the beginning
1919
THE ART CINEMA 2018
AN ADULT DESTINATION
In 2017, The Art Cinema will be entering it's 98th year of operation. This historic theater has led many lives, and we'd like to share a few with you.
The Art Cinema, like many theaters of it's vintage, progressed from commercial films to art house fare, and eventually into adult movies. At one point during the 1970's and 80's, Hartford had close to a dozen adult theaters.
The Rialto Theatre was built in 1919 and is Hartford’s last operating classic movie house. In 1941, the Rialto Theatre was operated by Warner Bros. Circuit Management Corp. It was also part of a chain that included the Colonial Theatre, Lenox Theatre and Lyric Theatre in Hartford, and the Central Theatre in West Hartford. When business waned , it started showing art films in the 1950’s, hence the name Art Cinema.
The Art Cinema in 2018 provides our guests a truly unique experience: Adult feature length movies in a classic movie palace environment that is couples friendly. The Art Cinema is the #1 rated adult theater in the United States for couples by the top rated adult theater website (The Journal of Adult Theaters), and we would like to invite you to spend an afternoon or evening with us so you can see for yourself.
Our themed adult theater parties have become legendary, and in 2018 we will continue to provide unforgettable experiences for one and all. Please check our EVENTS page for the latest information.
The Art Cinema is the last remaining adult cinema in town and has been showing X-Rated features for decades. The theater seats 601 (350 on the main level, 251 on the balcony) and still has a 35mm projector, but it is not used at all because all adult films are on DVD and Blu-Ray.