A Sign of the Times
by Christopher McKenzie
Title
A Sign of the Times
Artist
Christopher McKenzie
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photography
Description
This is my recent shot of an old 40 foot tall retro movie theater sign in Overland Park, KS.
After five years of planning and the expenditure of more than $500,000, the Glenwood Theatre opened to the public on November 23, 1966.
Hailed as �Kansas City�s Luxury Theater�, it maintained that stature for over 33 years.
Outside, a large fountain stood amongst beautifully landscaped grounds. Inside, the Grand Promenade exhibited statues, a fireplace, and most noticeably, a 15 feet wide by 15 feet tall imported Italian crystal chandelier.
Hostesses escorted movie patrons into the 816 seat auditorium, which boasted high back red rocker lounge chairs and a fully carpeted floor.
As a movie would begin, 40 foot tall curtains would slowly retract to reveal a 70 feet wide by 35 feet tall curved screen.
The Glenwood Theatre quickly became the most popular theatres in the Kansas City area, setting the world record for �Star Wars� after making $1 million the first year of its release.
With the introduction of a nearby megaplex in the 1990�s, ticket sales at the Glenwood Theatre declined.
Unable to compete, the theater closed in May 2000.
Sadly, amid much protest, the Glenwood Theatre was razed and replaced by a strip mall, signaling the end of a magical cinematic era.
In 2002 the Glenwood Theater (and sign) moved a couple of blocks down the road into the Metcalf South Mall where it took on the role of Glenwood Arts, for decades home to Independent Film and The Kansas International Film Festival.
Over the past few years the Metcalf South Mall slowly lost tenants and essentially closed with the exception of a couple of stores.
Now that the Mall has been completely vacated the Glenwood Arts� last day at its current location was Sunday, January 25, 2015. The closed theater will now merge with the Leawood Theatre (a couple miles to the East) to become The Glenwood Arts at 95th and Mission Road. This represents a move to a larger flagship with five screens and an even greater presence for both Independent film and the Annual Kansas International Film Festival.
But...the property owners don't want the sign!
Update: Little did I know that just 48hrs after I took this shot, and 12hrs after I posted this that the sign was going to be dismantled! It is moving to yet another property across the other side of Kansas City into Independence, MO at a shopping center called Englewood. At least the old gal will be utilized once again which is what it is meant for!
ISO 400, 1/320 sec, f9, 20mm.
Uploaded
February 5th, 2015
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Viewed 209 Times - Last Visitor from Cambridge, MA on 04/17/2024 at 6:51 AM
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Comments (6)
Catherine Sherman
Fun shot, Christopher! I remember the old Glenwood. Then I followed the sign to Metcalf South, and now it's moving again. Thanks for the history. Liked and favorited!
Christopher McKenzie replied:
It was quite a place. The original Glenwood also had a mini-golf course, and a Motel. If you stayed at the Motel you got movie passes. After I posted this I decided on a more appropriate title that I think works better.
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