Perhaps it was the popcorn? Maybe the well-worn velour seat? Better yet, the neon sign greeting you? Or maybe the indie film itself?

Many Seattleites, new and old, have their reasons for loving historic movie theaters. And luckily for us, we have a thriving community of these theaters still standing. But we’ve also lost many historic movie theaters near and dear to our hearts.

This Valentine’s day, come celebrate these historic movie theaters, both standing and gone, that have touched our lives. To do this, Historic Seattle joins groups and individuals across the country in heart bombing, a fun and creative form of advocacy where people gather at historic sites and local landmarks (both safe and threatened) to snap a photo with their homemade valentines. The photos are shared on social media to raise awareness about the places that matter in their communities.

Hearts & Crafts (2/9/2023) | Heart Bomb (2/13/2023)

On Thursday, February 9 from 4:00-6:00PM* come sip bubbly, enjoy sweet treats, and cultivate your craftiness at Historic Seattle’s headquarters, the Dearborn House. Next, join Historic Seattle staff and other advocates to Heart Bomb Seattle’s historic movie theaters at the Grand Illusion Cinema in the U-District on Monday, February 13 at 3:00PM. After the Heart Bomb photo, we’ll head into the theater for popcorn and a special viewing of Seattle-favorite, Singles!

*If you can’t join us on February 9, don’t worry! You can make your own valentines and bring them to the Grand Illusion on the 13.

Alternatively, take your Valentine out to one or more of Seattle’s historic movie theaters you love. Take a picture and share on social media using #heartbombSEA and #IHeartSavingPlaces to be a part of the local and nationwide love fest.  For inspiration, check out some of our past heart bomb activities around Seattle via this slideshow.

Here’s a list of historic movie theaters, both past and present, that can be your valentine!

The Grand Illusion Cinema

If you haven’t been, you’re in for a treat. This theater, located in the heart of the U-District, is Seattle’s oldest continually operating movie theater. Housed in a historic building, they are unfortunately at risk of losing their space due to redevelopment. Fortunately, in the event they do lose the space, they are “determined to recreate the magic someplace new!”.