The GEM Theatre was built at 460 Sala Avenue by the Edward Monroe Gordon family in· 1920. This was the first of two movie theaters in Westwego owned by the family.

The name ''GEM'' came from using the family's initials. It showed silent movies. The pump organ used during the showings is on display in the Westwego Historical Museum along with two original theater seats.

The GEM Theatre closed its doors June 2, 1949, and the building was demolished in the late 1960s.