Why Kristen Stewart just saved this historic L.A. theater

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Kristen Stewart fears the death of classic Hollywood cinema.

Driving around Los Angeles, the actor-turned-director noticed many of the city’s favorite local theaters were being replaced by big stores. This inspired her to work to preserve live theater in the place where her career began.

So she bought a historic movie theater in L.A.

I’m really excited about what Stewart is doing – he’s bought the Highland Theatre and is bringing it back to life! It’s a beautiful old place with so much history, apparently it used to host vaudeville shows back in the day. It’s fantastic to see someone investing in preserving a cultural landmark like that.

In a recent interview with Architectural Digest, Stewart explained that people often take extreme measures when they’re feeling overwhelmed. She playfully described purchasing the theater as a similarly bold, albeit beautiful, decision – a sign of embracing a passionate impulse.

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The theater closed almost two years ago, just before it would have celebrated its 100th anniversary. Owner Dan Akarakian explained to The Times in 2024 that the pandemic caused financial hardship from which the theater couldn’t recover.

Stewart explained that the existing environment is already lovely and simply needs maintenance. While the property is in disrepair and requires significant assistance, she believes it’s a worthwhile effort.

Even before last year’s devastating wildfires, things were tough for filmmaking in Los Angeles. As a movie lover, I knew the industry was already facing challenges, but those fires really knocked things down – shutting down productions and, honestly, scaring a lot of people working on those sets, both in front of and behind the camera.

As a total movie lover, I was really struck by what Kristen Stewart said recently. She pointed out that going to the cinema feels like it’s becoming a thing of the past, and honestly, I get it. She explained that a lot of people are just watching things on their tablets or TVs now, and often while multitasking. She also mentioned how tough it’s been for her and other actors to actually get movies made lately, which is something I’ve definitely noticed as a fan.

Hollywood Inc.

It really breaks my heart to hear that the Highland Theatre, a true landmark in Highland Park, has closed its doors for good after a century of showing movies. It just couldn’t recover after everything the COVID-19 pandemic threw at it, and that’s a huge loss for film lovers like me.

Stewart envisions the theater as a gathering place for both families and filmmakers, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship. She believes it can create genuine connection and communication, helping people overcome feelings of isolation.

She explained that the three-story building includes theater spaces and event areas, making it perfect for film screenings and gatherings open to the public.

Local architect Lewis Arthur Smith, who also designed theaters like the Vista in Los Feliz and El Portal in North Hollywood, created the theater’s design.

According to Architectural Digest, Stewart explained that this project is about building a collaborative environment where people can brainstorm and envision the future. It’s also about reimagining the school and improving how things are done to create a more effective path forward.

Entertainment & Arts

Alden Ehrenreich, known for his role in ‘Star Wars,’ has renovated an old trolley station in Cypress Park, turning it into a creative space. He hopes this will help Los Angeles become known as a center for theater.

Stewart’s attempt to preserve a local movie theater follows a similar move by a group of filmmakers. Led by Jason Reitman, the director of “Juno,” they bought the 93-year-old Village Theater in Westwood earlier this year.

Quentin Tarantino, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker, purchased the Vista Theatre, another creation by architect Smith, in 2021. After more than two years of renovations, the theater welcomed audiences again.

Stewart grew up in the San Fernando Valley and has always been a strong supporter of Los Angeles. She’s actively involved with the Downtown Women’s Center, helping them provide homes for women experiencing homelessness.

During her speech at November’s Academy Women’s Luncheon, the actor expressed her disappointment with the limited number of stories in Hollywood that are created by and about women.

She said she really loved the city, explaining that she appreciated how much space it offered and the freedom to make it your own.

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2026-02-05 03:31