Is the Paris Theater Reopening?

By Alice Nichols

The Paris Theater, a landmark cinema located in Midtown Manhattan, has been closed since August 2019. The news of its closure came as a shock to many New Yorkers who have enjoyed the theater’s unique programming and historic ambiance over the years.

However, there is some good news on the horizon for fans of the Paris Theater. Recent reports suggest that the cinema may be reopening soon under new management.

The History of Paris Theater

The Paris Theater first opened its doors in 1948 and quickly became known for its selection of foreign films. Over the years, it has hosted screenings of classic movies like “Breathless” and “The Conformist,” as well as newer releases like “Little Women” and “Marriage Story.”

In addition to its film programming, the Paris Theater is also famous for its distinctive marquee, which features neon lights and a large illuminated Eiffel Tower.

The Closure of Paris Theater

Despite its popularity among cinephiles, the Paris Theater was forced to shut down in August 2019 due to rising rent costs. This prompted an outpouring of support from fans who launched a petition to save the theater.

Unfortunately, these efforts were not successful in keeping the theater open. It remained closed for over a year, leaving many people wondering if it would ever reopen again.

Paris Theater’s Reopening Plans

Thankfully, there is now reason to believe that the Paris Theater may be reopening soon. According to recent reports, Netflix is in negotiations to acquire the lease for the theater from City Cinemas.

While no official announcement has been made yet, sources say that Netflix plans to use the Paris Theater as a showcase for its original films. This would make sense given that Netflix has been steadily increasing its investment in original content over the past few years.

What Does this Mean?

If the Paris Theater does indeed reopen under Netflix’s management, it would be a win for both film lovers and the streaming giant. The theater would provide an opportunity for Netflix to showcase its films on the big screen, which could help boost their visibility and prestige.

At the same time, the reopening of the Paris Theater would be a welcome development for fans who have been missing its unique ambiance and programming. It would also be a positive sign for New York City’s cultural scene, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

While there is still much we don’t know about the Paris Theater’s future, the possibility of its reopening is certainly cause for optimism. If Netflix does take over the lease and bring back this beloved cinema, it could be a win-win situation for everyone involved. We can only hope that this historic theater will once again become a vibrant part of New York City’s cultural landscape.