The Little Theater multiplex is Rochester's best known (and best loved) venue for independent and art house movies.

The original Little Theater (Little #1) that we love today was the fifth cinema created in a small chain during the "little cinema movement," which was dedicated to showing "art films that appeal to the intelligent and sophisticated" in the 1920's. These theaters were built in response to the mass merchandising and the construction of huge 'movie palaces', which became popular in the 1920's.

In May 1982, William Coppard and John and Pam Blanpied bought the Little in order to refurbish it and bring it back to its former glory. By 1996, the Little had grown to a complex of five theaters. The original Little faces East Avenue. The remaining four theaters are housed in a complex facing Winthrop Street immediately behind the original theater.

The theaters also offer popcorn with real butter and tasty, reasonably priced treats from the Little Cafe. The cafe is housed in same building with the original theater, but has a separate entrance on East Ave and presents live jazz almost every day.

Limited parking is available at the Winthrop Street location. Free parking is also available at the 2 Vine parking lot and the East End Garage after 5:30 p.m. weekdays and all day weekends.