Spectacle Theater

Spectacle exterior rarerborealis (Atlas Obscura User)

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Housed in a former bodega, Spectacle is a collectively run movie theater in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, established and staffed entirely by volunteers. It’s known for showing offbeat, underseen gems and hosting events including live scores featuring local groups, mass hypnosis, interactive theater, and slideshows with tiki accompaniments. The polar opposite of a chain theater, this no-frills cinephile haven is BYO-snacks and beverages. Midnights are a specialty, though they’re open seven days a week year-round.

Know Before You Go

By Subway:

Take the (L) train to the Bedford Avenue station, and exit on the Bedford Ave. side of the station. Walk south to South 3rd St. (10 blocks). Make a right on to South 3rd St. The theater is on your left.

Take the (JMZ) to the Marcy Avenue station and walk West (towards Manhattan) on Broadway. It will be 3 or 4 blocks depending on which exit you took from the station. Make a right onto Bedford Avenue, and continue north under the bridge to South 3rd St. Make a left onto South 3rd St. The theater will be on your left.

If you want to make a full day of oddball filmgoing, nearby Anthology Film Archives is a mere 50 min. walk over the scenic Williamsburg Bridge.

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