Bruin Theater Reopens in Westwood Village

The 1937 Art Deco single-screen cinema on Broxton Avenue returns after two years dark, with upgraded projection for film prints.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Arthouse

Bruin Theater Reopens in Westwood Village

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Westwood Village's Bruin Theater has reopened after sitting dark for two years. Operator Rui Pereira leased the space after learning it was available and is upgrading projection to run 35mm and 70mm prints alongside new releases and classic revivals.

Why it matters

The reopening restores a landmark Art Deco venue to the Los Angeles arthouse circuit and gives cinephiles a film-focused option near the Westwood transit corridor.

The theater was dark for two years before reopening, and its single-screen auditorium and 1937 Art Deco building are retained. Projection is being upgraded to 35mm and 70mm, but the completion timeline for those upgrades is not stated.

The players

Rui Pereira

Pereira is the operator who leased the Bruin Theater and is upgrading its projection facilities for film prints.

Bruin Theater

The Bruin is a 1937 Art Deco single-screen cinema on Broxton Avenue in Westwood Village, originally launched under the Fox West Coast Theatres chain.

The details

Pereira stepped in to revive the landmark after learning the space was available for lease. The theater has modernized digital projection and updated concessions while keeping its historic single-screen auditorium.

1937: The Art Deco theater is built on Broxton Avenue.
1965: The Bruin hosts the premiere of Viva Maria! with Brigitte Bardot.
Two-year period: The theater remains dark before reopening.

Arthouse Landscape

The Bruin's return to 35mm and 70mm projection places a single-screen Art Deco house back among venues that keep celluloid and repertory programming alive in Los Angeles. Its reopening follows the Westwood-era tradition of the Bruin hosting premieres such as Viva Maria! in 1965.

Moviegoers in Los Angeles can once again attend first-run and repertory screenings at the Bruin on Broxton Avenue. Film fans can watch 35mm and 70mm prints in a historic single-screen auditorium near Westwood's transit corridor.

The takeaway

Historic single-screen theaters can be revived when operators act on available leases, keeping celluloid and repertory film accessible to local audiences. Check the Bruin's listings before visiting to confirm its screening schedule.