Movie theaters have been a Chicago staple for 100+ years, with small movie houses populating neighborhoods as far back as the 1900s, and big, unique movie theaters coming to be nowadays.
Take The New 400 Theater, which has been a Chicago standalone since 1912. Now, a lack of customers could force the iconic space to close for good. After the local Loyola Phoenix newspaper broke the news earlier this month, efforts to save the longstanding theater have been put into effect by community members.
It’s unknown whether the uptick in moviegoers will be enough to save the theater. Owner Tony Fox, who first bought the theater in 2007, notes it’s likely the theater will have to close for good.
The theater is the longest-running theater in Chicago, opening in 1912 when small independent movie houses were the norm throughout the area. It survived the pandemic shutdown and even became a COVID testing center, moving to offer takeout concessions on an expanded patio and a short-term theater rental space during the height of the pandemic.
After all of the changes, even as the 400 Theater came back full-time in 2021, it’s still likely the well-known theater will close as the owner is currently searching for new tenants to take over the space.
Community outreach has surged with pages dedicated to saving the theater, like the New 400 Street Team, but the owner stresses that while efforts are appreciated, it’s not enough to maintain business. Right now, the theater will remain open for a few months with a closing date announced once it’s been officially decided.
The theater is open Thursday through Sunday. Grab tickets here! . While it’s sad that this staple theater is closing, there is still a bevy of other unique theaters in and around the area! Read through our round-up featuring 10 of the most unique move theaters in Chicago to see ’em all!
Address: 6746 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626