Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Quad Cinema, NYC'S First Multiplex, Will Reopen Next Month
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published Mar 6, 2017
Modified Mar 6, 2017
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published Mar 6, 2017
Modified Mar 6, 2017
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
NYC lost its first multiplex, the Quad Cinema in Greenwich Village, in 2015 when it closed for extensive renovations. But those renovations seem to be (nearly) complete—Variety reports that the theater will reopen next month.
The Quad debuted its eight screens in 1972, and was heralded for its dedication to showing indie films and its intimate, private-screening room feel. As the years went by its age began to show, however, and the theaters were obviously rundown prior to closing—in 2011, one Yelp reviewer wrote they'd "rather see a movie in a Port Authority bathroom." In 2014, the theater was purchased by real estate developer Charles S. Cohen, who shuttered it for renovations shortly thereafter. Sure, the theater was supposed to reopen in the fall of 2015, and then again in the summer of 2016, but the reopening looks legit this time around!
The theaters in the new-and-improved Quad will be far less cramped, with fewer, but better seats (430, down from 560) and enhanced sight lines. The design is new; they've increased the number of formats they'll be able to screen films in; and there's a wine bar in the theater, naturally. Quad also has a new programming director—Christopher Wells, who used to head the IFC Center—and Gavin Smith of Film Comment as senior programmer.
Quad will not, however, do the whole "dinner-and-a-movie" thing that's been popularized by theaters like Alamo Drafthouse and Nitehawk. It's also unclear whether they'll continue to offer reduced-price tickets—the old Quad sold tickets for $11, but it's possible this rehabbed theater will sell tickets for a little more now that it's slightly fancier.
The multiplex will reopen on April 14th.
Tagged
greenwich village
multiplex
quad cinema
theater
Rebecca Fishbein
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
In the algorithm age, NYC college radio DJs are still broadcasting the funky stuff
We dropped by WNYU to see what the next generation of radio DJs is up to. The answer is "Br00tal Beats To Study/Relax To."
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 22, 2026
A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings
Highlights of shifts in the city's business landscape.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Arts & Entertainment
A Queens prop shop shutters, bunnies find a home uptown, and more openings and closings
Highlights of shifts in the city's business landscape.
By
Hannah Frishberg
A new film invites you to eavesdrop on one of the greatest conversations in NYC history
By
Sonia Rao
The Knicks are NBA champions. Now they have to start dressing the part.
By
Sonia Rao
Will Barnes and Noble in the East Village spell doom for smaller shops? It's complicated.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .