Kristen Stewart Buys Highland Park’s Historic Highland Theater For A Community Revival, Not Just Cinephile Territory

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best arts and entertainment magazine UK“, Kristen Stewart has swooped in to rescue Highland Park’s historic 100-year-old Highland Theater, transforming the once-shuttered venue into a welcoming community hub for families, filmmakers, and everyday movie lovers.

In a move that’s capturing hearts across Los Angeles, Oscar-nominated actress and filmmaker Kristen Stewart has purchased the historic Highland Theater in Highland Park, breathing new life into a century-old cultural landmark that nearly faded away. The news, confirmed in early 2026 via an in-depth feature in Architectural Digest, highlights Stewart’s passionate commitment to preserving moviegoing as a shared, inclusive experience rather than an elite pursuit.

A Century-Old Gem Faces the End

The Highland Theatre, located at 5604 N. Figueroa St., opened its doors in 1925, designed by renowned architect Lewis Arthur Smith. Smith’s portfolio includes other beloved Los Angeles venues like the Vista Theatre in Los Feliz, the El Portal in North Hollywood, and the Rialto in Pasadena. Originally a vaudeville house and movie palace, the Highland evolved over the decades, including a stint as an adult theater in the 1970s, before operating as a 465-seat triplex in more recent years.

Like many independent cinemas, the Highland struggled in the post-pandemic era. Business never fully recovered to pre-2020 levels, leading owner Dan Akarakian to close its doors in late February 2024—just days shy of its 100th anniversary. The final films screened were the Dakota Johnson-led Madame Web, the Bob Marley biopic One Love, and the horror comedy Lisa Frankenstein. The closure marked another loss in LA’s storied theater scene, where historic venues have increasingly fallen victim to economic pressures and shifting entertainment habits.

Kristen Stewart Steps In: “I Ran Toward It with Everything I Had”

Stewart, best known for her roles in Twilight, Spencer, and her directorial debut The Chronology of Water, revealed that the opportunity felt like destiny. “I didn’t realize I was looking for a theater until this place came to my attention,” she told Architectural Digest. “Then it was like a gunshot went off and the race was on. I ran toward it with everything I had.”

Describing herself as fascinated by “broken-down old theaters” and the mysteries they hold, Stewart sees the Highland as more than a renovation project. She views it as an “antidote to all the corporate bullshit,” a space that shifts movie culture away from pure commercialization toward genuine connection.

A Family Affair and Community Hub

Stewart’s vision stands out for its emphasis on inclusivity. She wants the restored Highland to be “a family affair, something for the community.” It’s deliberately “not just for pretentious Hollywood cinephiles.” Instead, she envisions a welcoming venue where families can gather, filmmakers can connect with audiences, and people can “scheme and dream together.”

In interviews, Stewart has stressed creating a space for communal moviegoing—reflecting on the importance of cinema in Los Angeles, the city where the industry began. She hopes the theater will serve everyone: locals dropping in for a night out, emerging artists screening their work, and everyday film lovers seeking an alternative to streaming or mega-chains.

This approach aligns with broader efforts by filmmakers to preserve independent theaters. For instance, a coalition including Jason Reitman saved the Village Theater in Westwood in 2024. Stewart’s purchase adds to a wave of passion-driven revivals, prioritizing community over profit.

Looking Ahead: Restoration and Renewal

The Highland requires extensive work to return to its former glory, but Stewart is undeterred. Her involvement signals hope for the neighborhood of Highland Park, a vibrant, evolving area that has seen cultural shifts alongside gentrification. By prioritizing accessibility and shared experiences, she’s positioning the theater as a vital community anchor.

In an era dominated by streaming and corporate entertainment giants, Stewart’s bold step reminds us why physical cinemas matter: they foster real human connection, spark conversations, and keep the magic of collective storytelling alive.

As restoration progresses, the Highland Theatre is poised to once again light up Figueroa Street—not as a relic of the past, but as a thriving hub for families, neighbors, and film enthusiasts of all kinds. Kristen Stewart hasn’t just saved a building; she’s championing a more inclusive future for the movies we love.