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NYC Movie Theaters Are Closing
By
Jen Carlson
Published Mar 14, 2020
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Scott Lynch / Gothamist
By
Jen Carlson
Published Mar 14, 2020
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New York City's movie theaters are shutting down to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. So far, several have announced they've closed their doors, and many more will likely follow suit.
This list will be updated as more movie theaters close:
- Alamo Drafthouse announced this weekend that until further notice, their Brooklyn and Yonkers theaters are closed. Tickets will be automatically refunded, and memberships will be paused for season pass holders.
- BAM announced on Saturday that they have decided to close their cinemas effective immediately and until further notice, adding, "All tickets already purchased for showtimes during this closure can be used for a different screening when we reopen." They have also suspended all live programming through (at least) March 29th. The decision was made in "an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and in consideration of the health of our audiences, staff, and artists."
- Film Society at Lincoln Center has announced it will be suspending all screenings and events until further notice. "This is in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 virus, and to prioritize the health of our communities," they wrote in an announcement.
- Nitehawk Cinema announced on Friday, "We didn't want it to come to this, but after much deliberation we've finally decided that in the best interest of the health and safety of our staff and guests we need to suspend all programming at both Nitehawk locations, effective immediately."
- IFC Center announced that, "Out of concern for the health and safety of our customers, staff and the New York City community at large," all programming will be suspended at that time.
- Metrograph announced on Saturday that after tonight's screenings they are also going dark — "As COVID-19 spreads and safety concerns around large group gatherings increases, Metrograph will stop screenings at 7 Ludlow Street for the time being."
- Film Forum announced Saturday night that they would also be closing. "Due to developing COVID-19 concerns, Film Forum will close from Sunday, March 15th through Tuesday, March 31st in the interest of our patrons and staff."
Others, like Landmark Theatres and AMC Theatres and Regal Theatres, which are the biggest movie chains in NYC, are taking extra precautions, like allowing fewer people in to each screening and doubling down on cleaning.
But again, just like with dining out, that will not necessarily help the problem, as asymptomatic people could be unwittingly spreading the virus.
That's why today, French PM Édouard Philippe declared all restaurants, cafes, cinemas and clubs in France would close in their effort to stop the spread of coronavirus. Israel has just done the same. And it now seems that until our politicians do the same, New York City is slowly shutting itself down.
Tagged
COVID-19
movie theaters
coronavirus
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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