The Avon Theatre – Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center celebrated a defining moment in its 87-year history as community leaders, donors, and supporters gathered to officially break ground on Avon Recreated, the organization's ambitious reconstruction and expansion project. The event marks the start of a transformative redevelopment that will preserve the Avon's historic character while creating one of the Northeast's most technologically advanced, accessible, and community-centered independent cinema and arts centers.
Once completed, the new Avon Theatre campus will feature a fully restored historic theatre, three state-of-the-art screening venues including a new third theatre dedicated to education and community programming, a dedicated Education Center and classroom, a welcoming Café and Wine Bar, premium stadium-style seating, and luxury theatre seating designed for exceptional comfort. The facility will be equipped with cutting-edge 4K HDR BARCO Laser Projection Systems, immersive Dolby Atmos® sound in the main theatre, and advanced surround sound throughout the complex. Comprehensive ADA accessibility improvements will include enhanced entrances, elevator, seating, restrooms, and patron amenities. Expanded lobby and hospitality spaces are designed to encourage community engagement before and after every film. Construction is expected to be substantially complete in September 2027, with a grand public reopening anticipated in late October 2027.
“Today's groundbreaking represents far more than the start of construction—it represents an investment in Stamford's cultural future,” said Susan Cullman and Arthur Selkowitz, Board Co-Chairs of the Avon Theatre Board of Directors. “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.”
Peter H. Gistelinck, Executive Director of the Avon Theatre, reflected on the significance of the milestone. “Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Avon Theatre and for the entire Stamford community. Avon Recreated is much more than a building project; it is the realization of a bold vision to create an extraordinary destination where film, education, culture, and community intersect. With expanded educational facilities, a third screening room, a vibrant café and wine bar, luxury seating, enhanced accessibility, Dolby Atmos sound, and state-of-the-art 4K HDR BARCO laser projection, we are redefining what the independent cinema experience can be.”
The Avon Theatre recognized the remarkable collaboration among private philanthropists, foundations, public agencies, corporate partners, and hundreds of community supporters whose investments have brought the long-envisioned project to fruition. The reconstruction will significantly expand the Avon's capacity to present independent, international, documentary, classic, educational, and community-focused programming, strengthening its role as Fairfield County's premier nonprofit cinema arts organization.
During construction, the Avon Theatre will continue to fulfill its mission through its successful Avon on Tour initiative, which brings acclaimed films, filmmaker conversations, educational programs, and community events to audiences across Fairfield County. The Avon will provide regular updates throughout construction, including milestone announcements and behind-the-scenes progress reports, leading up to its anticipated reopening in fall 2027. For more information about the Avon Theatre, Avon on Tour programming, membership opportunities, and educational initiatives, visit www.avontheatre.org.
