Home / New York City / Theatres / Movie Theatres in New York City

Ideal Theatre

This Beaux Arts movie theatre was known as the Squire, New Cameo, and Adonis before being named The Playpen sometime in 1990s. It did show art films in the mid 20th century but most of its life in its final few decades involved some variation on orgasms.

The theatre was purchased by Tishman Realty in July of 2007 and was demolished in mid December of 2007 to free up this prime piece of real estate for a hotel. See photos HERE of the demolition. A page with history on the theatre and an unsuccessful petition effort is at Committee to Save the Playpen. The redevelopment project also included demolition of a 1950s/60s-era parking garage just to the west.

The demolition area also included hideous modernist parking garage around the corner at 306 West 44th Street.

Next: Jerome Theatre