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All the United States New York State New York City Manhattan IFC Center Peephole

IFC Center Peephole

The best way to get a sneak peek at the movies.

New York, New York

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David B
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IFC Center   ajay_suresh / CC BY 2.0
The Peephole   yello10 / Atlas Obscura User
An IFC Center theater   Eden, Janine and Jim / CC BY 2.0
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About

Upon exiting the West 4th Street subway in New York City, just across from the famous "Cage" street basketball court, you will find the IFC Center. It was formerly known as The Waverly, immortalized in the song “Frank Mills” from the Broadway show “Hair.” The theater features independent and foreign films. But if you don't feel like buying a ticket, there is a secret way to get a peek inside, and even watch a film, right from the sidewalk.

When facing the entrance, look for a small metal circle about five feet from the ground. On the circle, you will notice two more, eye-width apart. No other signage exists. Get close, slide over the eye covers and you will have a direct view into one of the theaters. If a film is currently playing on screen, you'll be able to watch from the sidewalk (while looking a bit like a crazy person with their face smushed up against the wall).

According to Bedford and Bowery, the peepholes came about in 2009, after an old cafe was converted into theaters four and five. Larry Bogdanow, the architect who converted the old Waverly Theater into the IFC Center, came up with the idea.

If you're passing by, give it a look. Who knows what'll be on the other side!

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Movie Theater Holes Secret

Know Before You Go

If anyone is in line to have a peek, be considerate and keep it moving.

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yello10

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CJSIMPSON5353, ljbrown, Michelle Cassidy, wherearewedude

  • CJSIMPSON5353
  • ljbrown
  • Michelle Cassidy
  • wherearewedude

Published

October 13, 2022

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  • https://bedfordandbowery.com/2019/08/cinema-secret-at-ifc-peepholes-let-passersby-watch-movies-in-miniature/
IFC Center Peephole
323 6th Ave
New York, New York, 10014
United States
40.731206, -74.001672
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