Charles Theatre

The Charles Theatre, often referred to as simply The Charles, or, even more simply, The Chuck, is the oldest movie theatre in Baltimore. The theatre is a Beaux-Arts building designed as a streetcar barn in 1892 by Jackson C. Gott, located in what is now the Station North arts and entertainment district. The theater was renamed the Charles (for its location on Charles Street) circa 1959 and became a calendar revival house in 1979. Many of John Waters's early films premiered at this theatre; this honor has since shifted to the Senator Theatre. In 1999, it underwent a major expansion and is now a five-screen theater, though the original main theater has been left largely intact and is still the largest theater in the complex. The Charles now serves as an arthouse multiplex, showing a variety of independent films along with some major studio prestige pictures. The main theatre hosts revival series and special screenings several times a week, as well as the occasional live concert performance. The entire theater complex served as the host of the annual Maryland Film Festival from 1999 until 2013. The expanded Charles includes the former location of the Famous Ballroom, where the Left Bank Jazz Society held events in the 1960s and 1970s. That incarnation of the space can be seen in portions of the documentary Sun Ra: A Joyful Noise. 5 screens 1,150 seating

What a nice venue. While certainly dated, it was clean and comfortable. Definitely a classic feel to it.

My first time there it's a beautiful work of art. I saw the Cooper Brothers documentary on the Squeegee Kids, I give it a 100!! Absolutely engaging work! Go see it!! I love the concession booth, very nice, clean, pleasant staff. Popcorn was nice and hot. Seats are large and clean, nice leg room.

I LOVE this place. I've been coming here since I was a junior in highschool over more than three decades. It's just the most amazing building and the films selections never disappoint. No other place in Baltmore tops it.

We love seeing movies at the Charles that we don't see playing in other theaters. The ambiance is great, parking is convenient and popcorn is exceptional. Wish more people would go there to support it.