The Avon Theatre – Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center celebrated a defining moment in its 87-year history on July 23, 2026, as Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons, community leaders, donors, and supporters gathered to officially break ground on the Avon Recreated transformation project. The ambitious reconstruction and expansion will preserve the theater's historic character while creating one of the Northeast's most technologically advanced, accessible, and community-centered independent cinema and arts centers.
The project will feature a fully restored historic theatre, three state-of-the-art screening venues including a new third theatre dedicated to education and community programming, a dedicated Education Center, a Café and Wine Bar, premium stadium seating, luxury theatre seating, cutting-edge 4K HDR BARCO Laser Projection Systems, and immersive Dolby Atmos® sound in the main theatre. Comprehensive ADA accessibility improvements, modern audiovisual technology, and expanded lobby and hospitality spaces are also included. Construction is expected to be substantially complete in September 2027, with a grand public reopening anticipated in late October 2027.
“Today's groundbreaking represents far more than the start of construction—it represents an investment in Stamford's cultural future,” said Susan Cullman and Arthur Selkowitz, Board Co-Chairs of the Avon Theatre Board of Directors. “For nearly nine decades, the Avon has served as a cherished gathering place where stories have inspired, educated, and connected our community. 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.”
Peter H. Gistelinck, Executive Director of the Avon Theatre, highlighted the significance of the milestone. “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 recognized the collaboration among private philanthropists, foundations, public agencies, corporate partners, and hundreds of community supporters whose investments made the project possible. The reconstruction will significantly expand the Avon's capacity to present independent, international, documentary, classic, educational, and community-focused programming, strengthening its role as Fairfield County's premier nonprofit cinema arts organization.
During construction, the Avon continues its mission through the Avon on Tour initiative, which brings acclaimed films, filmmaker conversations, educational programs, and community events to venues across Fairfield County, including the Ferguson Library, The Bruce Museum, Darien Library, Mill River Park, and Stamford Town Center. The Avon will provide regular updates throughout construction leading up to the anticipated reopening in fall 2027.
