Historic movie palaces / Antrim County
Elk Rapids Cinema
A well-preserved Art Deco single-screen house in Elk Rapids since 1940. The ceiling is covered by what the owners call the world's largest black-light mural, and Monday nights bring free classics.
Elk Rapids Cinema · Photo from the venue’s official website
Quick facts
- Opened
- 1940
- Architect
- Louis C. Kingscott (per Cinema Treasures)
- Style
- Art Deco
- Seats
- 414
- Screens
- 1
- Resident companies
- Chalfonte Foundation · Village Radio
- Formerly
- State Theatre (1940-1961)
What makes it special: Digital projector and upgraded sound; the ceiling is covered by what the owners call the world's largest black-light ceiling mural (restoration planned).
01 / Now showing
Now showing
Announced lineup
What the venue announced on its own site when we last checked (2026-09-26). Click through for exact times and tickets.
02 / The story of this place
Make time for these
Elk Rapids Cinema opened on September 20, 1940 as the State Theatre on River Street and took its current name in 1961. Cinema Treasures credits the design to Louis C. Kingscott, and it remains a well-preserved Art Deco single-screen house with 414 seats. It sits inside the Chalfonte Theatre, owned and run by the nonprofit Chalfonte Foundation, which also houses Village Radio and a performance space called The Platform. New features play Friday to Sunday at 1, 4 and 7 p.m., and Monday evenings bring free classic films with the “CineGroove” pre-show. Look up: the ceiling carries a black-light mural the owners call the world's largest, and the foundation is raising money to restore it.
- Art Deco single screen since 1940
- Free classic films on Monday nights
- Black-light mural across the ceiling
Plan your visit
It's at 205 River St in Elk Rapids; call (231) 264-8601. Shows run Friday to Sunday at 1, 4 and 7 p.m., and seniors 65+ and EBT cardholders get $1 off.
Ticket prices
$1 off for seniors 65+ and EBT cardholders.
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