The Lights Are Back On At This Abandoned Art Deco Theater In Iowa And It’s Stunning

In its heyday, the Malek was a jewel in Independence, Iowa, pop. 5,000. The downtown movie theater was a gleaming art deco showpiece, bringing the latests Hollywood films to this rural Iowa town. After the Malek opened in 1946, it became the site of first dates and marriage proposals, money-saving matinees and festive Friday nights.

Over time the lights dimmed at the Malek. By 1996 the theater was closed and sliding into disrepair. The roof of the vacant building began to leak and it appeared there would be no second act for the Malek. But maybe this movie has a surprise ending after all.

Thousands of aluminum cans became part of the plot to save the Malek and you won't believe how the theater looks today.

The Malek was built to replace an earlier theater that had burned down. The movie on the marquee is a 1947 American Technicolor western.

A local homeowner found this old Malek Program hidden in the wall.

Time and Iowa weather took a major toll on the old Malek building.

But an effort is underway to restore the building so it can reopen for concerts and performances. To help pay for the repair, a can drive collected more than 100,000 aluminum cans!

People dropped off cans in a large bin in front of the theater. The cans and cash donations helped pay for marquee repairs.

And recently, the lights of the Malek finally were finally turned back on. The old theater looked beautiful back in lights

Renovations and fundraising continues at the Malek and more work needs to be completed before it's completely restored to its former 1946 glory. When the Malek reopens, it will host a variety of events, including music performances, guest speakers, comedy shows and more.

Do you remember going to the movies at the Malek? Share your stories and memories with us! Interested in other old movie theaters? The oldest movie theater in America is right here in Iowa.