“Reel Magic”: The Avon Theatre’s Past, Present, and Bold New Future. Feeding the creative soul of Stamford.
Few cultural landmarks in Stamford evoke as much nostalgia and community pride as the Avon Theatre – Deborah & Chuck Royce Cinema Arts Center. Nestled in the heart of downtown on Bedford Street, the Avon is much more than a movie house; it’s a living archive of cinema history and a hub for film lovers of all ages. Yet, its story holds more than many realize.
Opened in 1939 during Hollywood’s Golden Age, the Avon was built in a classic Art Deco style and quickly became a staple of downtown Stamford. What’s less known is that by the early 2000s, the theater was near closure. It was only through the persistent efforts of local residents and the extraordinary vision and generosity of Deborah and Chuck Royce that the Avon was not only preserved but also reimagined as a nonprofit cinema arts center. Today, it remains the last independent theater in Fairfield County dedicated to film as a cultural experience.
Ask anyone who walks through its doors, and they’ll tell you the Avon holds a special place in their hearts. For some, it’s where they had their first date. For others, it’s where they saw a film that changed their worldview or attended a Q&A that sparked new ideas.
There’s a common feeling: the Avon doesn’t just show movies; it creates lasting memories. It’s a place where people gather to reflect, discuss, and be moved. “With a transformational renovation and expansion currently underway, the Avon is preparing for its next chapter,” said Susan Cullman and Arthur Selkowitz, Avon Theatre Board Co-Chairs. “The mission isn’t just to restore a beloved building, but to develop it into a vibrant, future-facing cultural hub, one that continues to serve future generations with bold programming, educational outreach, and community partnerships.”
Peter Gistelinck, Avon Theatre Executive Director, said, “In an age when independent cinemas are vanishing, saving the Avon means preserving a vital space for storytelling, diversity, and connection for Fairfield County. Most importantly, the Avon belongs to the entire community. As a nonprofit, every ticket purchased, and every donation, directly supports its mission. The Avon thrives because people believe in its value, not just as a theater, but as a shared cultural space. Its future isn’t just in the hands of a few; it’s in the hearts of everyone who walks through its doors.”
To make that future possible, the Avon has launched the public phase of its $14 million “Avon reCreated Capital Campaign”. Thanks to generous early support The Avon is close to their final goal. To learn more about giving opportunities and to put your name in the lights, visit www.avontheatre.org. Every contribution, large or small, plays a vital role in completing this vision.