Hollywood Star Kristen Stewart Rescues Century-Old Highland Theatre From Permanent Shutdown
Kristen Stewart has bought the historic Highland Theatre in Highland Park, Los Angeles, saving it from permanent closure. The theater, built in 1925 by architect Lewis Arthur Smith, had served as both a vaudeville stage and a movie house but closed in 2024 after falling into disrepair. Stewart’s purchase ensures the century-old venue will be restored and preserved for future generations.
Stewart wants the Highland Theatre to be more than a traditional movie theater. She hopes it will become a place for the community to gather, share ideas, and experience film in a new way. “It’s an opportunity to make a space to gather and scheme and dream together,” she says.
“This project is about creating a new school and restructuring our processes, finding a better way forward. We want to make it a family affair, something for the community. It’s not just for pretentious Hollywood cinephiles.” Her goal is to provide a space for independent and adventurous cinema, free from the pressures of commercial Hollywood.
While some original features, like the mezzanine and stage, remain, the theater needs extensive work to be fully restored. Stewart is committed to keeping its historical charm while modernizing it to serve today’s audiences. “There are so many beautiful details that need to be restored,” she explains. “I think there’s a way to bring the building back to life in a way that embraces its history but also brings something new to the neighborhood and something new to the whole LA film community. That’s the point—new ideas.”
A native of Los Angeles, Stewart has a deep connection to the city. She moved to the Eastside in her early twenties and loves the energy and diversity of the neighborhoods. “I absolutely f****** love this city,” she says, highlighting LA’s creative spirit compared to the East Coast. She wants the Highland Theatre to reflect the city’s culture and serve as a hub for local residents and the broader film community.
Stewart is also active in social causes. She supports the Downtown Women’s Center, which provides housing, meals, and other services for homeless women in Los Angeles. “LA is drowning in inadequacy in our response to homelessness,” she says.
“The city is at odds with itself. There has to be a way to unearth a tender, empathetic approach to getting people off the streets.” Her involvement shows her commitment to using her platform to help the community.
Looking ahead, Stewart sees the Highland Theatre as part of a bigger mission to reshape how film and culture are experienced in Los Angeles. “The narrow path that’s been forged has to be broadened, not by tokenized diversity but by doing things really differently. We can’t keep making the same movie over and over again. And we can’t turn our backs on the people who are most in need,” she says.
She hopes the theater will combine history, creativity, and community, offering a new vision for cinema in LA.
Kristen Stewart’s purchase of the Highland Theatre is an inspiring example of how artists can preserve cultural landmarks while creating spaces that benefit the community. It’s exciting to see a historic venue saved and reimagined for the future. What do you think about Stewart’s project? Share your thoughts in the comments.
