Seattle, Washington / Public art
Cinerama exterior murals
A vibrant, retro-style red and blue mural wrapping the exterior of the historic Cinerama Theatre, created by local artist Invisible Creature to celebrate the magic of cinema.
What are the Cinerama exterior murals known for?
The murals are large, red-and-blue retro artworks that wrap around two sides of the theatre's exterior. They are intended as a tribute to the theatre's rich history and the types of films shown there.
Who created the murals at Cinerama?
The murals were created by local artist Invisible Creature.
When were the murals installed?
The murals were created in 2014 as part of a sweeping renovation and rebrand of the theatre.
Where are the murals located?
The murals are located on the exterior walls of the Cinerama Theatre in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood.
Why was the mural added to the building?
The mural was part of a 2014 renovation designed to replace the theatre's previous drab, brutalist exterior walls.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
The Cinerama exterior murals are a bold visual landmark in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood. Created in 2014 by the local artist Invisible Creature, these massive red and blue murals wrap around two sides of the building's exterior walls. The project was a central part of a sweeping renovation that transformed the theater's previous appearance, which had been characterized by drab, brutalist walls. Designed as a tribute to the theater's rich history, the artwork pays homage to the types of movies that have appeared on the screen since the landmark opened in 1963. The mural-led rebrand was intended to align the building's outside with the futuristic decor and rare three-panel screening format found within the venue. This modern-art installation serves as more than just decoration; it captures the scope and awe of cinema across different genres. By replacing the boxy, gray facade with vibrant colors, the murals signal Cinerama's status as a temple to the moviegoing art form in the heart of downtown Seattle.
Visitor tips
- Walk around to both sides of the building to see how the mural wraps the exterior.
- Visit during the day for the best lighting to capture the vibrant red and blue hues in photos.
- Combine this stop with a walk through Belltown to see other local street art.
Nearby context
Located in the Belltown neighborhood of downtown Seattle, these murals mark the exterior of the historic Cinerama Theatre, adding a splash of modern color to the urban streetscape.
Sources
Evidence and links
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Cinerama
# 6360 SUNSET BLVD.
cinerama.com -
Murals Aplenty - Visit Seattle
A historic movie theater in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, Cinerama boasts big red and blue murals all along its exterior walls.
visitseattle.org -
Cinerama - Invisible Creature
In 2014 we had the amazing opportunity to reimagine Seattle's iconic Cinerama Theatre by creating a massive mural for its exterior walls.
invisiblecreature.com -
Cinerama Animation and Sound Design Harry Potter - Belief Agency
Cinerama underwent a mural-led rebrand, a Seattle landmark since 1963.
beliefagency.com -
Cinerama reopens with snazzy seats, better sound - The Seattle Times
A new mural wraps around the exterior of downtown Seattle's Cinerama Theatre, a red-and-blue retro mural, covering two sides of the theater…
seattletimes.com -
How Paul Allen Saved the Seattle Cinerama - Something Else!
Another renovation occurred in 2014, with substantial changes that took the venue from pretty good to mind-blowing.
somethingelsereviews.com