One Of Seattle's Best Theaters Is Reopening With A New Name

If you’re a cinephile, then you love keeping tabs on the best theaters in Seattle. You’ll also be ecstatic to know that the movie mecca of 4th Ave downtown, formerly known as Cinerama, is reopening and debuting its new name, SIFF Cinema Downtown, this December. From psychedelic rock to glass-making, the Emerald City has its finger on the creative pulse. Small theaters have always been part of the city’s artistic story and make the perfect foxhole for a rainy Northwest day.

Seattle International Film Festival's (SIFF) acquisition of the beloved venue isn't the first time the theater has changed hands. When it first opened in 1963, Cinerama became an immediate favorite among Seattle's film buffs. Still, by the late 1990s, the charming building had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of being demolished.

At this time, the late Paul G. Allen, a local philanthropist and investor, intervened, giving Cinerama what seemed like a stay of execution.

With Allen's patronage, the theater's popularity soared to new heights. In part because of its diverse scheduling, which showed blockbusters alongside indie releases, Cinerama's popularity crossed divides of taste and age.

But, as with so many other businesses, Cinerama was forced to close for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the independent theater, the financial pressure proved too great, and for several years, it seemed unlikely the space would ever reopen to the public.

Then, like a *dues ex machina*, SIFF announced it had purchased this Seattle treasure!

It plans to debut as SIFF Cinema Downtown with a December showing of the upcoming movie *Wonka*. The group will do everything it can to maintain the integrity of this iconic venue, including keeping an eccentric schedule of arthouse flicks and popular releases.

This respect for the past also means bringing back an oddball Cinerama specialty: chocolate popcorn!

If you’re a movie lover, then supporting the best theaters in Seattle is likely high on your to-do list. Part of what makes Washington so special is its thriving creative culture. Venues like SIFF Cinema Downtown create spaces for new artistic ideas to flourish, allowing different mediums to cross-pollinate and enrich each other. Not to mention, enjoying a film at an independent theater is a great way to escape a dreary PNW day, offering water-logged Washingtonians some much-needed escapism.

Learn more about Seattle’s art scene by joining a local class.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Explore Washington

Featured Addresses

2100 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121, USA

This Beloved Historic Theater In Washington Is Finally Being Reopened With A New Name

Andrea Verschuyl

Author

Related Stories

Washington Just Finished A New Park That Was First Proposed In 1987

Few People Know The Real Reason Behind Seattle Becoming The Coffee Capital Of The World

7 Unique Trivia Facts About Washington You Might Not Have Heard Before

Want more Washington in your inbox?

Related Articles

Explore Washington

Featured Addresses