Classic Cinemas York Theatre is a historic movie theater that has been entertaining Elmhurst audiences since 1924. Originally a single-screen Spanish-style movie palace designed by architect Elmer Behrens, the York opened on Labor Day 1924 with a silent film and a live organist. Today it operates 10 screens with 4K digital projection, 7.1 surround sound, and luxury heated recliner seating. Free refills on popcorn, fountain drinks, and ICEEs are available. On Friday and Saturday nights, the theater’s original Baby Barton Pipe Organ is still played live.
Origin Story
The York Theatre opened on Labor Day 1924 as a single-screen Spanish-style movie palace designed by Elmer Behrens, one of the era’s most prolific theater architects.
In the golden age of movie palaces, theaters were built to inspire awe, and the York delivered: ornate Spanish-motif detailing, atmospheric lighting, and a Baby Barton Pipe Organ that accompanied silent films made going to the movies an event in itself.
Classic Cinemas acquired the theater in 1982 and has carefully restored it faithful to its original architecture while integrating modern amenities, adding additional screens, 4K projection, surround sound, and luxury heated recliners.
Through it all, the Baby Barton Pipe Organ has remained, still played live before Friday and Saturday evening shows, connecting every weekend audience to the theater’s opening night 100 years ago.
