Take a look inside Coolidge Corner Theater's $15 million renovation
BROOKLINE - The Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline is opening its completed $15 million expansion, built for and by the community.
The cornerstone of Brookline was built in 1933 and is known for its charm, art deco architecture and old Hollywood nostalgia.
"We are looking forward, mostly, to audiences coming through these new doors," Coolidge Corner program director Mark Anastasio told WBZ-TV.
He's promising new opportunities too, including educational programs and new theaters built with movies in mind. Anastasio said a brand new 54-seat house was inspired by the film '2001: A Space Odyssey.'"
But even the new space will tie in to what neighbors know and love.
"Adding small art deco flourishes that make it connected to the original 1933 theater," said Anastasio.
A theater that almost didn't survive.
"When I saw theaters shuttering, it was never a sure thing that we would make it out of that dark time," said Anastasio.
But the loyal Coolidge Corner customers kept their theater alive.
"We are a nonprofit, community-driven, arthouse theater and it's an amazing thing at a time when larger chains of theaters are on such shaky ground that a community art house like ours is secure. Everyone accomplished this together," Anastasio told WBZ.
The newer, updated theaters open on March 27.