Movies at the Moolah

When the movie 'Iron Man' opened, we decided to see it in 'style'. There is a unique theater in downtown St Louis, converted from an old Shriner's temple. It is called the 'Moolah'. It is an Arabic word meaning "Title for one learned in teaching dignity for the law of the Koran or religion”

Strange as it may seem, Moolah Temple actually had its inception in East St. Louis, Illinois. Ten Nobles of Medinah Temple from Chicago, Illinois met weekly to dine at the Stockyard Hotel and decided to form another Shrine Temple for St. Louis. They applied for a charter, which was issued on April 23, 1886, and became the 28th Shrine Temple so recognized in Shrinedom.

The architecture, (especially inside the building) is quite unique, and can be viewed by clicking on this link. The theater screen is what one would expect for paying full-price. One of the big differences is that the majority of the seating is on nice leather sofas- luxury movie experience in downtown St Louis. Unfortunately, we didn't arrive early enough for a leather chair, so we are planning on returning soon for that experience. Oh, and while we're there, we want to go bowling in the basement and maybe play billiards too.

So, if you are ever itching to see a movie while in St Louis, and looking for an extraordinary experience, the Moolah won't disappoint.