Kristen Stewart Buys Historic Highland Theatre to Revive LA Film Scene

Kristen Stewart has become the new owner of the Highland Theatre, a nearly 100-year-old movie palace located in Los Angeles’ Highland Park neighborhood. This purchase signals a strong commitment to preserving the local film culture, especially after the theater closed in 2024 due to struggles recovering from pandemic-related setbacks. The Highland Theatre, situated on North Figueroa Street, has long served as a key community landmark and is among the last historic cinemas still standing in the area.

Theatre’s Rich History and Cultural Importance

Originally opened in 1925 and designed by architect Lewis Arthur Smith, the Highland Theatre has maintained its striking presence throughout its history. Although currently shuttered, the building has continued to play a role in film as a popular shooting location. Recent productions include Marvel Television’s series Wonder Man and David Fincher’s The Adventures of Cliff Booth, where the Highland doubled for Quentin Tarantino’s New Beverly Cinema.

Stewart’s Personal Connection and Vision for the Venue

Stewart revealed in the March issue of Architectural Digest that she was unexpectedly drawn to the theater after it caught her attention. She described the moment as a powerful calling, stating,

“I didn’t realize 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,”

Kristen Stewart said.

“I’m fascinated by broken-down old theaters. I always want to see what mysteries they hold.”

Although Stewart has expressed a desire to focus much of her filmmaking in Europe, her commitment to the Highland Theatre shows her ongoing connection to Los Angeles. She told The Times of London,

“I’d like to make movies in Europe and then shove them down the throat of the American people,”

but emphasized her intent to foster a local creative space in LA.

Plans to Restore and Reimagine the Highland Theatre

Stewart envisions transforming the Highland Theatre into a communal gathering place that goes beyond traditional Hollywood circles.

“It’s an opportunity to make a space to gather and scheme and dream together…We want to make it a family affair, something for the community. It’s not just for pretentious Hollywood cinephiles,”

she explained. Stewart also highlighted the theater’s role as a counterpoint to commercialized film culture, adding,

“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.”

The renovation will focus on preserving many of the original architectural features while allowing room for new ideas and creative experimentation. Stewart noted the importance of balancing history with innovation:

“There are so many beautiful details that need to be restored. I think there’s a way to bring the building back to life in a way that embraces its history but also brings something new to the neighborhood and something new to the whole L.A. film community. That’s the point — new ideas.”

What Lies Ahead for the Highland Theatre

No official reopening date has been announced yet, but Stewart is clear that she is committed to a long-term endeavor. Her acquisition of the Highland Theatre highlights her broader vision to revitalize cinema culture in Los Angeles and create an inclusive space for filmmakers and audiences alike. As one of the few remaining historic theatres in the region, the Highland’s revival could become a vital hub for innovative artistic expression and community collaboration in the city’s evolving film landscape.