As mentioned before, I love a good small neighborhood cinema, and it’s always sad when one of them goes dark. But it’s even more sad when they can’t have a second life. Many go on to become music venues, but others get a little more creatively repurposed, such as the CVS in East Los Angeles, or the Apple Store in LA’s Theatre District. Another great example of this is the Barnes and Noble in Studio City.

Originally opening in 1938 the stunning Streamline Moderne Studio City cinema had a good long run, serving citizens of the San Fernando Valley for decades. It even made appearances on the big and small screen, including Earth Girls are Easy, Dragnet, and Beverly Hills 90210. When it shuttered in 1991 it was one of the last single screen cinemas in the valley, and was just too small to convert into multiple screens, which is what other cinemas had done to compete with the growing multiplex cinemas.

Opening first as Bookstar, it later converted to Barnes & Noble, hence the combination of names. Outside the original ticket booth still stands, along with amazing terrazzo. Large frames that once held posters for coming attractions now hold enlarged covers of books that have been made into films, a genius move if you ask me!

But it isn’t just the exterior that is well preserved, the interior is stunning as well. With the original wall dividing from the lobby from the theatre itself gone, it is incredibly spacious with unique murals across the walls that reflect the design of the terrazzo outside. The screen is still visible behind the bookshelves, and if you turn around, you’ll notice the windows for various projectors.

Next time you’re in the valley, grab your next read at the Studio City Barnes and Noble located at 12136 Ventura Boulevard in Studio City.

What’s Near By?

Larry’s Chili Dog

Magnolia Park Shopping

Mystic Museum

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood Filming Locations

Warner Brothers Studio Tour

Universal Studios

Valley Relics Museum

Sources
Berger, Leslie. “The Vanishing Single Screen: Landmarks: The owners of a 50-year-old Studio City movie house that will close in February reportedly have no interest in razing the building, which may become a bookstore.” Los Angeles Times, 3 November 1990.