In a significant cultural move, Kristen Stewart has purchased the Historic Highland Theatre in Los Angeles, located at 5604 N. Figueroa Street, aiming to reopen the century-old venue as a functioning movie theater. The announcement came following the theatre’s closure in spring 2024, marking a new chapter for this iconic landmark and highlighting Stewart’s dedication to preserving film heritage.
Actor’s Passion for Vintage Cinemas Drives the Purchase
During a recent interview, Stewart revealed that her interest in old theaters played a crucial role in her decision to acquire the Highland Theatre. She described this pull as sudden and intense, emphasizing her fascination with forgotten venues and the stories they might hold. Stewart said,
“I didn’t realise I was looking for a theater until this place came to my attention. Then it was like a gunshot went off and the race was on. I ran toward it with everything I had. I’m fascinated by broken-down old theaters. I always want to see what mysteries they hold,”
as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.
Creating a Space for Community and Creativity
Stewart envisions the restored Highland Theatre as more than a movie venue; it will become a hub for collaboration and creativity among local filmmakers and cinephiles. She explained that this project aims to
“make a space to gather and scheme and dream together,”
reflecting a desire to foster a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Further expressing her goals, she said,
“This project is about creating a new school and restructuring our processes, finding a better way forward. We want to make it a family affair, something for the community. It’s not just for pretentious Hollywood cinephiles. I see it as an antidote to all the corporate bullshit, a place that takes movie culture away from just buying and selling. I think there’s a huge desire and craving for what this kind of space can offer,”
highlighting her commitment to an inclusive, grassroots cultural revival.
Historic Significance and Revival Plans
The Highland Theatre first opened its doors in 1925 and was designed by renowned architect Lewis Arthur Smith, who also crafted other historic venues such as the Vista Theatre in Los Feliz, El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood, and the Rialto in Pasadena. Despite its longstanding presence, the Highland Theatre fell victim to economic challenges following the pandemic, leading to its temporary closure.
Stewart’s purchase signifies a hopeful revival of a space embedded in Los Angeles’s rich film history. Her effort promises to blend respect for the theatre’s past with new functions that support creativity and community engagement. The reopening is anticipated to restore the venue as a vital cultural asset amid the city’s shifting entertainment landscape.
Kristen Stewart has purchased the historic Highland Theater in Los Angeles and will be reopening it as a movie theater!!! pic.twitter.com/8XfUzsJaKb
— Save Your Cinema (@SaveYourCinema) February 4, 2026
