JERSEY CITY, NJ — In the early days of Hollywood, film companies owned their own theaters and premiered the shows there. The historic Loew's in Jersey City was built by Marcus Loew in 1929, around the time he purchased MGM.
But the theater was slated for demolition in 1987 — until a group called the Friends of the Loew's stepped in to save it.
On Monday, after a $130 million renovation partly funded by the state, the 2,600-seat Loew's Jersey Theatre reopened to the public.
The state's Economic Development Authority awarded $42.7 million in Historic Property Reinvestment funds in 2022 to the project. The money was the first award of its type.
Mayor James Solomon and other officials came to a ribbon-cutting this week for "The People's Palace," celebrating the partnership between the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency, the state, and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.
The theater will hold its first concert on Friday.
"This theatre is part of the fabric of our state, and getting to help shape its next chapter has meant a lot to me personally," said Loew's Jersey Theater General Manager Bruce Wheeler on Mday. "Walking into this room, you get a taste of the glamour audiences experienced when it opened in 1929."
Some of the theatre's favorite fixtures will return next year — including the front lobby chandelier, the organ, and movie screens.
Hudson County Executive Craig Guy said, "For nearly two decades, Hudson County has committed to bringing the historic Loew's Theatre back to life, investing $1.78 million through our Open Space Trust Fund to support critical safety improvements, historic preservation, and the restoration of its iconic facade."
Weekend Lineup
A bevy of performances will kick off the post-renovation months, including rhythm and blues act Jodi next Wednesday, known for hits including"Forever My Lady," "Cry for You," "Lately," "Come and Talk to Me," and "Stay."
Also coming up: Derek Hough's Dance For The Holidays on Dec. 8, Chelsea Handler's The High and Mighty Tour for two days, and Nimbus Dance in Jersey performing the Nutcracker.
This weekend, the Trey Anastasio Band will perform Friday, and The War on Drugs will perform on Saturday. More information is here.
The theater is located across the street from the Journal Square PATH station. New York City residents can catch the PATH to New Jersey at 33rd, 23rd, 14th, 9th, and Christopher streets.
The theater can accommodate 2,400 people sitting and an additional 1,600 standing.
Read more about the theater and renovations: First Glimpse: Here's What Historic NJ Theater Will Look Like When It Reopens
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