Historic Metro Theater Purchased by Nonprofit for Restoration After 20-Year Closure

The Upper West Side Cinema Center secures the $6.9 million purchase with public and private funding, beginning a critical fundraising phase for renovations.

• The Metro Theater, a historic art deco cinema in New York City, has been purchased by the nonprofit Upper West Side Cinema Center for $6.9 million.
• The purchase was supported by $3.5 million from Governor Kathy Hochul, $500,000 from the New York State Legislature, and private donations.
• Plans for the theater include transforming it into a five-screen art house cinema, an arts education center, and a cafe, with a restored historic marquee.
• The nonprofit now faces a critical phase of fundraising to secure additional funds needed for renovations, with no reopening timeline yet established.
• Once a cultural touchstone for the Upper West Side, the Metro Theater's restoration aims to address the decline of independent cinemas in New York City.

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