Taking a Peek Inside The Pikes

March 13, 2019 JMORE Staff

The Pikes became a first-run theater in 1958, featuring such classics as "The Graduate," "The Producers," "Blazing Saddles," "Hester Street" and "The Frisco Kid."(Photo by Terrell D. Anderson)

If you grew up in or around Pikesville between the late 1930s and the mid-1980s, chances are you fondly recall catching the latest blockbuster at a matinee or weekend screening at the historic Pikes Theatre.

The Pikes operated from 1938 to 1984, and then reopened briefly from 2013 to 2016. When it closed a second time, the community lost a neighborhood gem.

On March 7, the theater reopened (again) as NextAct Cinema at The Pikes. For this incarnation, the 3,000-square-foot facility has reinvented itself as an “independent boutique theater” with two intimate auditoriums, digital audio and projection, reserved seats, in-theater dining and more.

The theater recently underwent extensive renovations, designed by Levin/Brown Architects and executed by American Contracting, to yield a modern, upscale look.

Enhancements include new in-theater seating and screens, new (and relocated) bathrooms, a new concession area with digital menu screens, and the addition of a lobby bar decorated with a full glass mirror and movie-themed canvas posters.

While seated, guests can order red/white wine, domestic/imported beer or a soft drink; artisanal popcorn; candy, and/or a gourmet meal prepared by the adjacent Pikes Cinema Bar and Grill, and have it delivered by the theater’s waiting staff.

The theater will offer a variety of options, including new releases, foreign language films, afternoon showings of children’s movies and themed movie events.

Get an inside look of the theater and its amenities below.

The historic Pikes Theatre initially operated from 1938 to 1984 and reopened briefly from 2013 to 2016. (Photo by Terrell D. Anderson)
The Pikes features stadium seating with two theater rooms. Each room is limited to 43 seats to maximize the experience. (Photo by Terrell D. Anderson)
The Pikes offers reserved seating and the ability to order food and drinks directly from the seats. (Photo by Terrell D. Anderson)
Seats at The Pikes, as well as plush blankets, can be reserved ahead of time. (Photo by Terrell D. Anderson)
The 3,000-square-foot facility includes new large-format screens. (Photo by Terrell D. Anderson)
The concessions area at The Pikes offers wine and beer, soda, popcorn, candy and more (Photo by Terrell D. Anderson)
The concessions stand at The Pikes. Note the Red Vines. Patrons can also get wine and beer. Additionally, there’s an in-theater menu that includes sliders, personal pizzas, quesadillas and more. (Photo by Terrell D. Anderson)