Chevy Chase Theatre

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 14, 2026

1. Chevy Chase Theatre Marker

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The Avalon Theatre was originally named the Chevy Chase Theatre when it opened in 1923 to show the silent films of the time. The large auditorium seated 1,200 (it now seats 450) and a large pipe organ provided musical accompaniment. After original plans for a second-floor balcony were abandoned, and the theater’s upstairs space was first occupied by the Chevy Chase School of Music and later a ballet studio. For many years the theater was flanked by retail spaces rented to a variety of neighborhood businesses.

The Avalon changed owners several times over the decades, and the building was regularly renovated and redecorated. Some of the more significant changes included wiring the theater for sound in 1929 after becoming a Warner Brothers’ neighborhood theater, installation of air conditioning in the late 1930’s,

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 14, 2026

2. Chevy Chase Theatre (today's Avalon Theatre)

construction of the upstairs 200 seat theater “Avalon 2” in 1970, and the painting of a striking ceiling mural in the large auditorium in 1985.

When the commercial owners declared bankruptcy in 2001, the Avalon was closed and stripped of its seats and projection equipment. Many of the original movie theaters in Washington had been demolished or converted to retail use, and fearing the same would happen to the Avalon, neighborhood support was strongly in favor of preserving the theater. The Avalon Theatre Project was incorporated as a nonprofit organization in November 2001, and with fundraising help from foundations, the D.C. government and many individuals, restoration of the building began in October 2002. The Avalon reopened to great excitement on April 23, 2003.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 15, 2026

3. Historical signage inside of the Avalon Theatre

History of the Landmark
DC Historic Landmark / April 25, 1996
National Register of Historic Places / August 16, 1996 The Avalon is the oldest surviving movie theatre in Washington, D.C. Originally called The Chevy Chase Theatre, it was built in 1922, and opened in February 1923. It was renamed The Avalon Theatre in 1929.

In Early 1937, the theatre was completely remodeled, including the addition of a new marquee and an air conditioning system. The Avalon 2, a smaller second theatre, replaced a former ballet school on the second floor in 1970. The popular mural by Dana Westring was added to the dome of the main auditorium in 1985.

When it was closed in March 2001, The Avalon was the city's longest continuously running movie theatre. In November 2001, The Avalon Theatre Project was formed to save the theatre. Under the leadership of Bob Zich, the non-profit corporation rallied hundreds of area residents who eagerly signed petitions, donated money, and volunteered time.

In September 2002, landlord Douglas Jemal and the Project agreed to work as partners to return this beautiful historic building to its original glory and create a first class movie theatre. Together the Avalon Theatre Project, Douglas Development Corporation, the D.C. government, numerous organizations and businesses, and countless members of the community succeeded where so many had failed. Thanks to their efforts, the Avalon was lovingly restored and reopened in April 2003.

Avalon Theatre Project Founding Board
Bob Zich, Chair • Jennifer Kaplan, Vice Chair • Bill Oberdorfer, Treasurer • Jill Bernstein • Teresa Grana • Muriel Watkins • Alan Zich

The Avalon Theatre Project is an ongoing community-wide effort to support and maintain The Avalon.