BBC Russian
Svoboda | Graniru | BBC Russia | Golosameriki | Facebook
Places near me Random place

AO Edited

Vitagraph Smokestack

Brooklyn, New York

The remnants of what was once the largest film studio on the East Coast are hiding in plain sight. 

View all photos
It's no Hollywood sign. YeleFit (Atlas Obscura User)
It's no Hollywood sign. YeleFit (Atlas Obscura User)
The old Vitagraph Smokestack is a piece of cinematic history. YeleFit (Atlas Obscura User)
Thousands of train passengers go by the smokestack daily. YeleFit (Atlas Obscura User)
A local newspaper in 1916 talks about the building plans. Public Domain
3
6
Top Places in Brooklyn
Acme Smoked Fish
Brooklyn, New York
Greenpoint Reformed Church and Mystery Tile
Brooklyn, New York
Pratt's Steam Whistle Christmas
Brooklyn, New York
 See All

By 1916, Vitagraph Studios occupied two acres of land in Brooklyn. It became famous for his comedies starring John a Bunny, the most popular comedian in the US before Carly Chaplin. In 1911, Vitagraph published the first motion picture magazine, Motion Picture Story Magazine. He has produced such stars as Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Drew, Norma and Constance Talmadge, Anita Stewart, Clara Kimball Young, Flora Finch, Maurice Costello, and Mabel Normand.

The oldest building was demolished in 2015. But the smokestack remains. So this chimney, on which the black brick letters “Vitagraph” are still clearly visible, is the only surviving hint of the storied past of this place.

Know Before You Go

The Vitagraph Smokestack can be seen from a distance. Note that not all parts of the surrounding complexes are open to the public.

Atlas Obscura Experiences

Wild Life Book Launch Aboard the Tall Ship Wavertree

New York, New York
$25 per person
movies cinema film
Community Contributors
Y
Added by
YeleFit
Published
August 18, 2024
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Avenue H Station House
0.77 miles
'3M' Mile Marker on Ocean Parkway
0.80 miles
Monk Parakeets of Brooklyn College
1.00 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Brooklyn, New York

Avenue H Station House

This unusual subway stop was originally a real estate office.
Brooklyn, New York

'3M' Mile Marker on Ocean Parkway

The last remaining 19th-century mile marker along the historic Ocean Parkway.
Brooklyn, New York

Monk Parakeets of Brooklyn College

Con Edison’s exotic and heat-loving pests.
Brooklyn, New York

Newkirk Plaza Mural and Mosaic

A mosaic made of materials gathered from this Brooklyn community adorns the walls of this tunnel.
Related Places
Gifu, Japan

Royal Theater

Retro as can be, this cinema still uses film reels and screens revivals of Shōwa-era hits and classics.
Chickasha, Oklahoma

Chickasha Leg Lamp

A 50-foot-tall replica of the infamous lamp from 'A Christmas Story' illuminates this small town.
Bangor, Maine

The Sewer Drain from “IT”

This is the sewer drain that was the inspiration for the opening scene of Stephen King’s classic novel “IT”.
Kalsoy, Faroe Islands

James Bond's Grave

This tombstone marks the spot where the legendary British spy met his end.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web