The Castro Theatre sits in the heart of the Castro - and has been there ever since 1922, when pioneer San Francisco theatre entrepreneurs, the Nasser brothers, built it to replace the nickelodeon they had operated in the Castro neighborhood since 1908.
Timothy Pfleuger, the architect retained to design the building, chose an exterior design reminiscent of a Mexican cathedral (although many people today prefer to label it (Spanish Renaissance)). The large windows, the shape of the roof line on the front facade of the building, and the plaster wall decorations, were all designed to convey a look of grandeur that was very much in keeping with many of the grand theatres built in the 1920s.
The marquee and the vertical neon sign were additions to the Castro Theatre - products of the late 1930s - but the glazed tile foyer, the ornate Moroccan tent-like box office, and the wooden doors, are all part of the original design.
The Castro Theatre’s interior is a diverse mixture of styles, ranging from Spanish, Oriental, Italian, and even art deco. The auditorium itself is large, and seats over 1400 in a lavish yet intimate setting. On either side of the stage and screen are large organ grills, and both of the auditorium’s side walls are covered with murals created using a rare wet plaster process called scrafitto.
The mezzanine and the balcony above can be reached from the lobby from two dramatic staircases, both of which are highlighted by large gilt mirrors. The mezzanine, with its elegant furnishings, is often used for film-related receptions and other events.
From the time it opened in 1922 all the way up until 1976, the Castro Theatre showed first and second run mainstream films. 
After 1976, the theatre’s exhibition format was changed to repertory cinema, foreign films, film festivals, and some special first-run features.
In 1977, the Theatre was designated San Francisco’s 100th registered landmark. It also holds the distinction of being one of the few remaining movie palaces from the 1920s that is still in operation in the United States.
The theatre’s organ was replaced in 1982 with an all-Wurlitzer pipe organ (built by Ray Taylor and his sons Dick and Bill). The Taylors had to obtain parts for the organ from many different sources. The console, for example, came from a theatre in Detroit. In the end, though, and after several years the magnificent organ was completed. The organ itself still belongs to the Taylor family, and is something of a treat to hear. Many people visit the theatre just to hear the Wurlitzer!
In 2001, the Nasser family (the original owners) again took over operation of the Castro Theatre. Since that time, many major improvements have been made to both enhance and preserve the beauty and functionality of the Theatre.
Today, the Castro continues to show repertory cinema, foreign films, and special first-run features. But it also hosts a number of popular annual film festivals, as well as gay-themed premiers, and special events.
