SEATTLE — An iconic Seattle movie theater will be reopening in December after closing down in 2020.
SIFF Cinema Downtown, formerly known as the Cinerama theater, will reopen on Dec. 14 with a showing of Wonka.
In August, Seattle City Council members unanimously approved a nearly $1 million grant to help the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) reopen the Cinerama theater.
The Cinerama opened in 1963 and became incredibly popular. Paul G. Allen's estate bought the theatre in the 1990s. After closing its doors during the pandemic, the Seattle International Film Festival, a nonprofit organization, bought the Cinerama in May. SIFF was not able to keep the theater’s name due to trademark licensing.
According to the theater's website, SIFF Cinema Downtown will "feature a mix of blockbuster studio films, specialty festivals and events, and first-run arthouse cinema."
The theater said it will have premium concessions including craft beer and chocolate popcorn.
SIFF said the theater is one of only two in the world that have the capability to screen three-strip Cinerama films with its 97-foot curved screen.
According to Western Neon, the future of the famous Cinerama sign itself is unclear. Vulcan, the real estate company founded by Jody Allen and Paul G. Allen, is in possession of the old signage and will determine its future.
The original Cinerama sign was designed by Beatrice Haverfield, who designed the iconic pink Elephant Car Wash, Dick's Drive-In Burgers sign and the neon Ivar's sign on the waterfront.
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