The Art Cinema

The Art Cinema describes itself as “one of North America's last remaining Art Deco adult theaters” at 255 Franklin Avenue in Hartford. Its History page says the Rialto Theatre was built in 1919 and took the name Art Cinema after showing art films in the 1950s. It presents adult features in what that page calls “a classic movie palace environment that is couples friendly,” and it is closed Tuesdays, with Friday and Saturday running until midnight. The auditorium seats 601, with 350 seats on the main level and 251 on the balcony. Two adult features run daily from DVD and Blu-Ray, with new lighting on the main floor and in the balcony. The theater calls its Couples Exclusive VIP Balcony “a secure and intimate space to enjoy our features,” and it hosts adult theater theme parties, with details on its Events page, plus specials such as a Monday couples special and Trans Thursday. The theater describes itself as an adult theater for couples and singles, with an age requirement of 18 and over. It says single men are not permitted in any of the designated couples' seating areas, including the VIP Couples Balcony, and that the rule is closely monitored and enforced. It also retains outside security to maintain order and safety for customers.