Kristen Stewart Acquires Historic Los Angeles Movie Theater for Community Revival
Oscar-nominated actor Kristen Stewart has purchased the historic Highland Theater in Los Angeles, a venue that closed its doors in 2024, with ambitious plans to transform it into a community-oriented space. Stewart confirmed the acquisition to Architectural Digest, expressing her fascination with dilapidated old theaters and describing the opportunity as an urgent calling.
A Century-Old Venue with a Rich Cinematic Legacy
The Highland Theater first opened in 1925, designed by architect Lewis Arthur Smith, and initially served as a vaudeville and silent-film house before transitioning to mainstream movie releases. In the 1980s, the theater was subdivided into a triplex. However, after nearly a century of operation, owner Dan Akarakian announced in March 2024 that the venue could not recover in the post-pandemic landscape, leading to its permanent closure on February 29, 2024—just six days shy of its 99th anniversary. The final films screened included Madame Web and Bob Marley: One Love.
Stewart's Vision: A Community Hub Beyond Corporate Cinema
Stewart articulated her vision for the theater as a communal gathering place, emphasizing its potential to foster creativity and connection. "It's an opportunity to make a space to gather and scheme and dream together," she said. "This project is about creating a new school and restructuring our processes, finding a better way forward." She added that the initiative aims to be inclusive, stating, "We want to make it a family affair, something for the community. It's not just for pretentious Hollywood cinephiles."
The actor views the restoration as an antidote to corporate influence in cinema, highlighting a desire to reclaim movie culture from purely commercial interests. "I see it as an antidote to all the corporate nonsense, a place that takes movie culture away from just buying and selling," Stewart explained. "I think there's a huge desire and craving for what this kind of space can offer."
Restoration Challenges and Historical Preservation
Acknowledging the scale of the restoration work, Stewart noted the need to preserve the theater's architectural details while infusing it with new life. "There are so many beautiful details that need to be restored," she said. "There's a way to bring the building back to life in a way that embraces its history, but also brings something new to the neighborhood and something new to the whole LA film community."
Joining a Legacy of Cinema Preservation in Los Angeles
Stewart's purchase places her among notable film figures who have actively worked to preserve Los Angeles' cinematic heritage. For instance:
- Quentin Tarantino acquired the New Beverly Cinema in 2007 and the Vista Theater in 2021, aiming to prevent their conversion into commercial multiplexes.
- In 2022, the Village Theater in Westwood was purchased by a consortium of investors, including Jason Reitman, Steven Spielberg, and Bradley Cooper, amid redevelopment concerns.
Broader Context: Stewart's Views on the US Film Industry
In related news, while promoting her directorial debut The Chronology of Water, Stewart commented on the challenges facing the US film industry under potential political shifts. She expressed skepticism about remaining in the US if Donald Trump were president, citing concerns over creative freedom. "Reality is breaking completely under Trump," she told The Sunday Times. "But we should take a page out of his book and create the reality we want to live in." She described Trump's tariff threats on internationally produced films as "terrifying" for the industry, adding that she "can't work freely" in the US.
Despite these challenges, Stewart remains committed to her craft, stating, "But I don't want to give up completely. I'd like to make movies in Europe and then shove them down the throat of the American people." This acquisition of the Highland Theater represents a tangible step toward fostering alternative cinematic spaces amidst broader industry uncertainties.
