By Dirk Langeveld

STAMFORD — An independent cinema and arts center has started a major expansion and restoration project, aimed at improving the offerings it can present to the greater region.

The Avon Theatre – Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center broke ground on July 22nd on an effort dubbed Avon Recreated. The project aims to preserve the historic character of the theater while also making substantial improvements in technological advancements, accessibility, and community programming.

The theater recognized the collaborative support from private philanthropists, foundations, public agencies, corporate partners, and hundreds of community supporters, saying these investments enabled the project to get underway.

“For nearly nine decades, the Avon has served as a cherished gathering place where stories have inspired, educated, and connected our community. Through Avon Recreated, we are preserving that remarkable legacy while creating a world-class cinema arts center that will serve audiences, students, filmmakers, and families for generations to come,” said Susan Cullman and Arthur Selkowitz, co-chairs of the Avon Theatre Board of Directors. “We are profoundly grateful to our donors, foundations, elected officials, project partners, and community members whose vision and generosity have made this transformational day possible.”

An improved campus

The renovation will expand and improve the Avon Theatre campus, while restoring and modernizing the historic structure. A third new theater space will be added with a focus on education, community programming, and emerging filmmakers. Avon Recreated will also create a dedicated education center and classroom.

Other features designed to establish the theater as a community gathering space include a cafe and wine bar, as well as expanded lobby and hospitality spaces. These areas are designed to “encourage community engagement before and after every film.”

Improvements to the theater spaces will include premium stadium-style seating throughout the facility, with new luxury seating for improved comfort and better sightlines. Technological upgrades will include a new 4K laser projection system, updated sound systems, and modern audiovisual technology and infrastructure.

In addition, the Avon Theatre will be making a series of comprehensive accessibility improvements. These will include updated entrances, elevators, seating, restrooms, and patron amenities.

Anticipated timeline

Construction is expected to be substantially completed in September 2027. A grand public reopening is tentatively slated for October 2027.

While construction is underway, the Avon Theatre’s “Avon on Tour” initiative will continue the organization’s mission by bringing films, filmmaker conversations, educational programs, and community events to audiences throughout Fairfield County and elsewhere.

The theater is also promising to provide regular updates on the progress of Avon Recreated, including milestone announcements, behind-the-scenes reports, fundraising news, and previews of the new center.

Nearly nine decades of history

The Avon Theatre is a member-supported, nonprofit independent cinema specializing in the screening of independent, foreign, classic, documentary, and educational films. Designed by New York City architect William Hohauser and built by the F.D. Rich Company, it first opened in 1939.

After several decades of screening films under the ownership of various theater chains, the Avon Theatre closed in 1999. The Royce Family Foundation purchased the property two years later and began refurbishments, with the venue reopening in 2004.

The building currently has two theater spaces, which are in operation seven days a week. For more information, visit avontheatre.org.

Expanded coverage of Fairfield County cultural events is made possible with support from the Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts

Dirk Langeveld

^{_{Dirk Langeveld has worked as a news reporter, content marketing specialist, and freelance writer. He is the author of “The Artful Dodger: The 20-Year Pursuit of World War I Draft Dodger Grover Cleveland Bergdoll” and has contributed to several books on Connecticut history.}}