Background

United Palace: A Washington Heights Landmark

Explore the opulent United Palace in Washington Heights: a historic theater, spiritual center, and cultural hub with stunning architecture and diverse events.

4.6

The United Palace, originally Loew's 175th Street Theatre, is a stunning movie palace and vaudeville house built in 1930. Today, it serves as both a spiritual center and a cultural hub, hosting concerts, movies, and community events. Its over-the-top architecture, a unique blend of various styles, makes it a must-see in Washington Heights.

A brief summary to United Palace

Local tips

  • Check the United Palace's website for upcoming events, including concerts, movies, and community programs.
  • Take the time to admire the theater's unique and eclectic architecture, a blend of various design styles.
  • Consider attending a movie screening; the United Palace has a history of showing films and continues to do so.
  • Arrive early to allow time for security checks and to explore the theater's stunning interior.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The United Palace is easily accessible by public transportation. Take the A train to 175th Street & Fort Washington Avenue and walk one block east to Broadway. Alternatively, take the C train to 168th Street & Broadway and walk to 175th Street, or the 1 train to 181st Street & St. Nicholas Avenue and walk two blocks west and five blocks south to 175th Street & Broadway. A single subway ride costs $2.90.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Washington Heights, the United Palace is likely within walking distance. Use Broadway as your guide, as the theater is located at 4140 Broadway, on the corner of 175th Street. Be aware that Washington Heights is hilly, so wear comfortable shoes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Manhattan. Simply provide the address, 4140 Broadway, New York, NY 10033, as your destination. A short taxi ride within Washington Heights will likely cost between $10 and $15, excluding tip.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 4140 Broadway, New York, NY 10033. Be aware that parking in the area can be challenging and expensive. Several parking garages are located near the United Palace, including ParkNSave at 4162 Broadway & West 177th Street. Parking rates at nearby garages typically range from $15 to $25 for a few hours. Check for early bird specials.

Unlock the Best of United Palace

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about United Palace

The United Palace, located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, stands as a testament to the grandeur of early 20th-century movie palaces. Originally one of Loew's Wonder Theatres, it opened in 1930 as Loew's 175th Street Theatre, offering both vaudeville shows and films. Designed by architect Thomas W. Lamb with interiors by Harold Rambusch, the theater's architecture is a unique blend of styles described as "Byzantine-Romanesque-Indo-Hindu-Sino-Moorish-Persian-Eclectic-Rococo-Deco". For forty years, the United Palace served as a premier entertainment venue, hosting Hollywood stars and screening classic films. In 1969, the theater was purchased by Reverend Ike and became the United Palace Cathedral, home to his United Church Science of Living Institute. While preserving much of the original architecture, Reverend Ike redecorated the interior in the Louis XV style. Today, the United Palace of Spiritual Arts continues to operate as a spiritual center and cultural arts center, hosting a variety of events, including concerts, film screenings, and community programs. The theater boasts over 3,000 seats, making it the fourth-largest venue of its kind in Manhattan. Its opulent interior features hand-carved walls, filigreed ceilings, and a restored Robert Morton organ. The United Palace is a designated New York City Landmark, recognized for its architectural and cultural significance. Visitors can attend events, take in the stunning architecture, and learn about the theater's rich history.

Popular Experiences near United Palace

Popular Hotels near United Palace

Select Currency