Opened July 1937. Architect A.M. Bolot. One of only a few Art Deco cinemas still operating in N.S.W.
The Ritz Theatre was built by C and J.B. Williams of Coogee for Randwick Estates Limited at an estimated cost of $20,000.
It brought city standards of cinema design and comfort to Randwick.
The Art Deco decorative style, which originated in Europe in the 1920's, varied considerably and ranged from extravagant flora-inspired designs to the austere planes and masses of functional architecture.
Architects applied Art Deco to building exteriors as well as interiors.
Cinemas proved to be the ideal commissions for the style with lofty facades, few windows and strong horizontal and vertical lines.
The Ritz Theatre was bought by the Sisters of the Brigidine Congregation in 1962 and sold in 1985.
Throughout this time it continued as a cinema, despite threats of demolition in 1984 which led to a campaign to save the building. The campaign received a major boost when local resident and international film star Mel Gibson gave his support.
By 1990 it was the only cinema open in the municipality.
