Alexandria Theater undergoes transformation from single screen to three theaters

The historic Alexandria Theater, a San Francisco landmark since its opening on November 26, 1923, has undergone significant transformations over the decades, reflecting the evolving tastes in architecture and cinema. Originally designed by the Reed Brothers in an Egyptian bridal style, the theater featured an impressive exterior with six engaged columns adorned with papyrus leaf patterns and a striking ziggurat-style pyramid topped with an illuminated "A."

The theater's interior was equally remarkable, boasting a unique concrete bowl-shaped floor and stadium-style seating for 2,000 patrons, all without a balcony. However, in 1942, the Alexandria was remodeled in a streamlined Modern style by architect A. Day Canton, which included an angled addition, an Art Deco blade sign, and various interior enhancements like ocean-themed murals and a sunburst chandelier.

Further renovations in 1963 expanded the entryway and ticket booth, while a major overhaul in 1976 divided the auditorium into three smaller theaters, adapting to the changing landscape of film exhibition. Most recently, in 2023, the iconic blade sign was removed due to safety concerns, marking another chapter in the theater's storied history. The Alexandria Theater remains a testament to San Francisco's rich cultural heritage and architectural evolution.