The Avon Theatre – Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center in Stamford, Connecticut, marked a historic milestone on July 23, 2026, as community leaders, elected officials, donors, and supporters gathered for the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Avon Recreated transformation project. The event signals the start of an ambitious reconstruction and expansion that aims to preserve the theatre's historic character while creating one of the Northeast's most technologically advanced and community-centered independent cinema and arts centers.
Once completed, the new Avon Theatre campus will feature a fully restored and modernized historic theatre, three state-of-the-art screening venues including a third theatre dedicated to education and community programming, an Education Center, a Café and Wine Bar, and expanded lobby and hospitality spaces. The facility will offer premium stadium-style seating, luxury theatre seating, cutting-edge 4K HDR BARCO Laser Projection Systems, and immersive Dolby Atmos® sound in the main theatre. Comprehensive ADA accessibility improvements are also included. Construction is expected to be substantially complete by 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, noted that the project is "the realization of a bold vision to create an extraordinary destination where film, education, culture, and community intersect." During construction, the Avon will continue its mission through the Avon on Tour initiative, bringing films and programs to partner venues such as Ferguson Library, The Bruce Museum, Darien Library, Mill River Park, and Stamford Town Center. For more information, visit www.avontheatre.org.
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. The project is made possible through collaboration among private philanthropists, foundations, public agencies, corporate partners, and community supporters. The Avon Theatre will provide regular updates throughout construction leading up to its fall 2027 reopening.
