The Avon Theatre – Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center celebrated a milestone in its storied history with a ceremonial groundbreaking for **Avon Recreated**, an ambitious reconstruction and expansion that will transform the beloved Stamford landmark while preserving its historic character.

Community leaders, elected officials, donors, members, and project partners gathered to mark the beginning of a project that will create one of the Northeast’s most technologically advanced and accessible independent cinema arts centers. Slated for completion in September 2027, with a grand reopening anticipated the following month, the reimagined campus will feature a beautifully restored historic theater, three state-of-the-art screening venues, a dedicated Education Center, expanded lobby and gathering spaces, a café and wine bar, luxury stadium seating, cutting-edge 4K HDR laser projection, immersive Dolby Atmos sound, and significant ADA accessibility enhancements.

Board Co-Chairs, Susan Cullman and Arthur Selkowitz described the project as an investment in Stamford’s cultural future, while Executive Director Peter H. Gistelinck emphasized the theater’s renewed mission to bring together film, education, culture, and community in an extraordinary new setting.

The transformative project is the result of years of collaboration among philanthropists, foundations, corporate partners, public agencies, and hundreds of community supporters. Throughout construction, the Avon will continue serving audiences through its successful **Avon on Tour** initiative, bringing acclaimed films, filmmaker conversations, educational programs, and community events to venues across Fairfield County until the theater welcomes patrons back in fall 2027.