Support Restoring the United Palace's 1930s Wonder Morton Organ
In 1930, there were approximately 12,000 theatre organs in the United States. Today, only a few hundred remain, with fewer than 30 still in their original location and condition. The Robert-Morton Wonder Organ in the United Palace is the last one of its kind in the United States still in its original venue and one of the last remaining all-original theatre organs in the world.
The New York Theatre Organ Society, led by Nick Myers, began restoration of the house left organ chamber in 2016 following years of water damage and fire.
At the end of 2025, with $30,000 in donations from organ enthusiasts, we were able to play the first two ranks of restored pipes in the house left chamber for the first time in years. It will take several more years to complete the house right chamber and console. But with continued support (and a little luck) we could finish the house left chamber completely in 2027.
During this restoration effort, we have continued to feature live organ music as accompaniment to silent movies, such as “Nosferatu” in 2022, and a mini-festival of silent film shorts starring Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, and Buster Keaton in 1924. The United Palace is dedicated to restoring this one-of-a-kind instrument and continuing to feature it in supporting and headlining roles as part of our programming.
Please give today. Your continued generosity will ensure this historic instrument can inspire and educate future generations.
