The Madison Theater - Albany, New York

The Theatre was opened in 1929 as the Madison Theater. Designed by theater architect, Thomas Lamb, it shares the same creator as Proctors Theater in Schenectady. It was operated as part of the Stanley Warner chain until 1975. After this, the theater was operated under private ownership. It was taken over by new owners in 1994, renamed the Norma Jean Madison Theater, and split into five auditoriums. The store front that was occupied by Claps Books was taken over by the theater and two more screens were added to this space. The Norma Jean Madison, one of Albany's oldest movie houses, finally closed in December 2001 due to poor financial management. One of the creditors, Boston Concessions Group of Cambridge, Massachusetts, then took over the theatre operations in the spring of 2002. Owing primarily to the fact that the Madison was the farthest theater from their home offices, BCG closed the theater in 2003. Early in 2005 a group was formed to purchase the property and operate it again as a theater. While the building has suffered about 25 years of neglect, the corner has been turned and the long slow road has been started to bring this landmark back to its former glory. The first of the seven screens opened on May 20, 2005, showing Star Wars, Episode III. While progress may seem slow, regular patrons will notice a gradual improvement and with their support it is hoped that these improvements can continue. It is also the desire of the Madison to become an active part in the community. We work regularly with local film makers and are always interested in new ideas from the public that we serve.
We are also the home of the New Beginnings Fellowship Church, which meets here every Sunday at 10am.
Come and see the new Madison Theatre, help to keep History alive.