Poignant photos show the decaying grandeur of America’s abandoned but once-great movie theatres

THESE stunning pictures give viewers an unprecedented look behind the curtains of some of America’s abandoned movie theatres.

The once majestic buildings now stand in a state of disrepair with damp in the walls and plaster falling from the ceilings.

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Architectural photographer Matt Lambros showcases the striking photographs in his new book After the Final Curtain, which documents the fallen grandeur of the once opulent buildings.

Included in the incredible picture collection is the regal red and gold embossed detailing of Brooklyn’s King’s Theatre and a chandelier hanging from the ceiling of the State Palace Theatre in Louisiana that shut down in 2007.

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In contrast, other spectacular images show the peeling ceiling of the Uptown Theatre in Philadelphia and the empty shell of the Variety Theatre, Ohio.

Matt has always been fascinated by architecture and desolate buildings.

Writing on his  he said: “Abandoned architecture has fascinated me since I was five years old.

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“My grandmother used to take my brother and I in to investigate any old barn she happened to drive past.

“She was curious about what was left behind, and her inquisitive nature made a lasting impression on me.”

Matt, who grew up in New York state, would explore “haunted” buildings eventually taking them as inspiration for his photography.

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He said: “I’ve spent ten years composing photographic obituaries for once-thriving buildings that are now crumbled and forgotten.

“My hope for my work is that it will shine light on beautiful, dated architecture and on the equal yet sinister beauty in decay.”

Matt’s book After the Final Curtain is published by Jonglez Publishing and is available to buy on .