Paradise Theatre Will Reopen as Arts Center
The historic Bronx landmark will return to service in late 2026 after closing its doors in 1994.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Cultural
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The Loew's Paradise Theatre in The Bronx will reopen as the Paradise Performing Arts Center in late 2026. A community welcome event is scheduled for November 10, 2026.
Why it matters
The Bronx currently lacks major performing arts centers, and the project aims to address this shortage while presenting artistic voices that reflect the local community. The center hopes to expand public access to the arts through a diverse range of programming.
The venue contains approximately 4,000 seats and is one of the five historic Loew's Wonder Theatres. It was designated a New York City landmark in two phases, starting with the exterior in 1997.
The players
Scott Perrin
He is the lead of the management team responsible for overseeing the transformation and operation of the arts center.
The details
Led by manager Scott Perrin, the center is working with corporate sponsors and donors to create a sustainable operating model. Future programming will span film screenings, family shows, dance performances, live concerts, and comedy.
Timeline
September 7, 1929: The original Loew's Paradise Theatre first opened.
1994: The theatre officially closed.
1997: The building's exterior was designated as a New York City landmark.
2006: The interior and lobbies were designated as landmarks.
November 10, 2026: A community welcome event will take place.
Industry Dynamics
The restoration of this historic venue aligns with broader urban efforts to revitalize grand 20th-century entertainment palaces for modern public use. This trend reflects a strategic pivot in the arts sector to utilize existing landmark infrastructure to address regional venue shortages.
Residents in The Bronx will gain access to a large-scale venue for live concerts, dance shows, and film screenings closer to home. The facility plans to host educational and family-oriented programming once it opens in late 2026.
The takeaway
The transformation of this landmark structure demonstrates how historic preservation can serve contemporary community needs. Residents can look forward to a centralized hub for performance art once the center begins its full operations.
Further reading
Learn more about local arts initiatives on the New York City Cultural page.
Live Poll
Would you attend events at a new performing arts center if one opened in your neighborhood?
