The Picture House

In 2003, a group of citizens in Westchester County organized to save the historic 1921 Pelham Picture House from the wrecking ball. The group was motivated by the desire to preserve a local cultural icon near and dear to the hearts and minds of moviegoers, and to renew the space in order to entertain and educate current and future generations with independent and foreign films, classics, shorts, animated features and documentaries from around the world. Now a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization and listed on the NY State Register of Historic Places, the Picture House has been restored to its original grandeur. In addition to its stunning and unique architecture, full slate of indie and repertory films, and film courses for people aged 1-100, The Picture House makes a powerful and positive impact on the cinematic landscape of Westchester County and the Bronx.

LANDMARK The great old movie houses of the past have largely been carved up, torn down, or turned into something completely different. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and restoration of one of few surviving – and still operating – single-screen theaters, we work to ensure that the 90-year-old Pelham Picture House will continue to entertain audiences for generations to come.

COMMUNITY In a world where you can carry a movie screen in your pocket, the 1921 Picture House preserves the sense of community, wonder, and engagement that has existed since the formation of the first theaters. It is a cultural institution dedicated to the art of film. We believe passionately in the power of film to delight audiences, inspire creativity, build and bridge communities, and change lives. The Picture House offers a distinct alternative to commercial movie theaters by providing dynamic film and education programs to a diverse and multi-generational audience in Westchester County, the Bronx, and Connecticut. In an area sorely lacking for art-house film programming and film education opportunities, we work to transform the local cinematic landscape.

ART Film is familiar to people of all ages, from all walks of life, from all over the world. As an art form and as a medium of communication, it connects all of us through memories, universal stories, and shared viewing experiences. We aim to create a vibrant community of people connected by their love of film. The Picture House is committed to screening films of the highest artistic value, emphasizing exceptional visuals, acting, writing, directing, content, and structure. We look for films that are not playing at every multiplex, may only be playing in select cities, or lack distribution and are exhibited through festivals. By highlighting such films and their artists, we offer our audience opportunities that they cannot find at their local theaters.

EDUCATION The universal medium of film is a way to understand ourselves, our communities, and our world. Through our education offerings as well as our film programming, The Picture House strives to engage viewers and elevate the film-viewing experience. Our programs build students’ abilities in the areas of Film Literacy, Film Acting, Screenwriting, and Directing. Learners of all ages experience a dynamic forum for discussion, analysis, and criticism, creating a passionate community of thoughtful film viewers and artists.