Palace Theatre, Syracuse

The Palace Theatre in Syracuse stands as a vibrant cultural hub and a rare survivor from the golden era of movie palaces. Built in 1922 by Alfred DiBella in the Eastwood neighborhood, it began as a grand venue with 1,300 seats and a second-floor dining and dance hall. Remarkably, the theatre has remained in the same family for over a century. After DiBella’s passing in 1959, his daughter Frances ran the theatre for five decades, becoming a beloved local figure. Upon her death in 2004, the building passed to her nephew, Michael Heagerty, who spearheaded extensive renovations that helped restore the theatre’s grandeur while modernizing it for contemporary use.

Today, the Palace hosts an eclectic mix of concerts, films, plays, and community events, and features the largest computer graphic projection system in Central New York, along with Dolby Surround Sound and high-definition digital capabilities. Its programming spans from independent films and musical performances to weddings, lectures, and even mayoral addresses, such as the 2005 State of the City speech by Mayor Matthew Driscoll. The annual B-Movie Film Festival held here continues to draw visitors from across the globe.

Beyond its main auditorium, the Palace also offers an elegant second-floor event space with original tin ceilings, maple floors, and seating for up to 68 guests, making it ideal for receptions and private gatherings. Despite setbacks like post-renovation flooding, the Palace has remained a cornerstone of Eastwood’s community life-independent, adaptable, and always ready for an audience.