Landmark Harvard Exit Theater

This former Women's Century Club was the first or second art film house to open in Seattle, a distinction it shares with the Grand Illusion in the U. District). (My sister was one of the first ushers here before she matriculated at Brown; she loved working there). The Harvard Exit opened in ca. 1970. It was purchased eventually by the Landmark Theatre group but still operates mostly the way it has since its inception, with the addition of another movie screen. In some ways comparable is the Seven Gables (also in the U. District), but I find the screen similar to a long train car: viewing movies there is like sitting in a tunnel and watching images flickering at the far end,,, It is probably my favorite movie theater in Seattle for several reasons: (1) the wonderful "living-room" style lobby with its early-mid 20th c. furniture and furnishings, all comfy; large windows with Venetian blinds, looking out across Roy to the the D.A.R. and Anhalt cottages. Most movie theaters do NOT have a lobby/parlor of this kind. Once the movie gets out, YOU get out, too, simply because there is NOWHERE to linger--unless your idea of a good place to talk about the movie and to relax is to be next or across from a wall of pinball machines. (2) the quality programming (which currently includes the film version of "The History Boys" and "The Queen," both outstanding British releases. One of the first and most memorable movie moments when I saw Bernardo Bertolucci's "The Conformist" with Jean Louis-Trintignant and Dominque Sanda when it opened the flood of art house, foreign film that began at that time (at least for me) and led to the independent films that seem to carved a large niche of movie-going today. I can't count the number of fine films I have seen here that would never have been shown at the multiplex. The only regret that I have is that the refreshment stand has been moved from the entrance lobby into the living room, as the staff tends to be pretty obstreperous and not really aware that others might not share their sense of humor. That said, I enjoy spending a half an hour after a movie is over on a rainy afternoon and enjoying some moments of serenity--it sure beats Starbuck's for atmosphere, in my opinion. Let's hope, perhaps against all odds, that the building is not demolished soon and a 6-story retail-with-condos-above or a multiplex cinema doesn't take its place. more

The Harvard Exit is a great movie experience. After buying your tickets to the latest indie/foreign film, you are transported to a different era of Hollywood when chandeliers, pianos, and plush couches reigned instead of cardboard movie cutouts, obtrusive ceiling to floor advertisements, and loud, obnoxious music. Rather, the Harvard Exit relies on old class and great movies to sell tickets. Though the lobby seems antique, the theater is not-- the sound, the seats, and the screen are all very nice. Walk around Broadway before or after the show, the neighborhood is just booming with great restaurants and shops. Enjoy! more

When I first started going to indie films, I preferred the old opera houses that had been converted over. Well, Harvard Exit isn’t exactly that, but it feels like it. Always an excellent movie picked, and the popcorn is not that gross chain airpop nonsense. If you’ve never been, or haven’t in a while, why not treat yourself? more

This old theater used to be a women's club with a large first floor auditorium and a smaller one upstairs. These are now two separate theaters with very good sound systems and comfortable seating. What I love most about this theater is the lobby: it's the lobby of an old club, with hardwood walls, plush furniture, chandeliers--everything you don't expect from a theater. In addition, they play funky, offbeat movies that don't show up in the big theater chains. And after the show you're on Broadway, with plenty of places to eat or drink. more

The Harvard Exit could be described as a "boutique cinema." After you buy your ticket outside you step into what looks like your Grandmother's living room. The unique atmosphere just helps enhance the usually interesting fare offered on the cinema menu. There are actually two screens here: the main theatre on the first floor, and a smaller screening room which is basically in the attic. If you are looking for something more adventurous than the usual movie experience, check out the Harvard Exit! more

There's only one screen at the Harvard Exit Theater on the corner of E. Roy and Broadway, and it makes all the difference. After buying your ticket for the latest independent/small market film being shown, you make your way up two flights of stairs past vintage movie posters before passing through big wooden doors to descend to your seats of choice. The crowd is normally an intelligent, appreciative bunch which helps create an overall atmosphere of seeing a movie worth seeing. While this is not always the case, watching a movie at such a small, intimate theater makes the experience much more unique than going to see an ordinary blockbuster at some massive cineplex. more