Alhambra Theatre (San Francisco)

The Alhambra Theatre stands on Polk Street as a striking example of Moorish Revival architecture, a style that turned movie houses of the nineteen twenties into transportive, fantasy worlds. Designed by Timothy Pflueger, the building features twin turrets and intricate ornamentation inspired by the historic Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain. When it opened in nineteen twenty-six, it was intended to whisk local patrons away to an exotic, romantic destination before the film even began.