Stamford, CT – The Avon Theatre – Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center celebrated a historic groundbreaking for its Avon Recreated transformation project on July 23, 2026. The event, attended by Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, community leaders, donors, and supporters, marks the start of a reconstruction that will preserve the theater's historic character while creating one of the Northeast's most technologically advanced independent cinema and arts centers.
The project will include a fully restored historic theatre, three state-of-the-art screening venues, a dedicated Education Center, a Café and Wine Bar, and expanded lobby and hospitality spaces. The new facilities will feature premium stadium seating, luxury theatre seating, 4K HDR BARCO Laser Projection Systems, Dolby Atmos® sound in the main theatre, and comprehensive ADA accessibility improvements. Construction is expected to be substantially complete by September 2027, with a grand reopening in late October 2027.
Board Co-Chairs Susan Cullman and Arthur Selkowitz emphasized the project's significance: 'Today's groundbreaking represents far more than the start of construction—it represents an investment in Stamford's cultural future. 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.'
Executive Director Peter H. Gistelinck added, '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 will continue its mission during construction through the Avon on Tour initiative, which brings films, discussions, and educational programs to venues such as Ferguson Library, The Bruce Museum, Darien Library, Mill River Park, and Stamford Town Center. For more information, visit www.avontheatre.org.
