Bijou Theatre
275 Fairfield Avenue,
Bridgeport,
CT
06604
275 Fairfield Avenue,
Bridgeport,
CT
06604
7 people
favorited this theater
Showing 26 - 40 of 40 comments
Throughout the fifties and into the seventies, Iknew this as THE RIVOLI. They had a program venue similar to that of the STRAND, with the shows changing three times weekly, and plenty of movie posters to dream about on the outside. The inside was unpretentious, but you always got your money’s worth. In the Sevenites, they changed to the STUDIO CINEMA, and added the Chaplin silhouette on the marquis. Then, it changed to the DOWNTOWN FAMILY CINEMA and quietly passed away. Hardly anyone wanted to go to that part of town anymore, let alone park your car nearby. One thing I remember is attending a showing in the seventies, and in the coming previews, there was a trailer of “Godzilla Vs The Thing”. The narrator began the trailer with, “It started out innocently, as a giant egg…” My friend turned to me and said, “How can a giant egg be innocent?”
Shortly. It was just mentioned in this week’s Fairfield Weekly article on Phil Kuchma. View link
“The Bijou, the oldest independent movie theater in the country, and the upstairs ballroom next door, once known as Colonial Hall, are architecturally interesting places worth preserving. And he’s adamant that the interior of the ballroom space remain intact, with its large windows, balconies and chandeliers—a place that has not seen renovation in 40 years and may become home to a new catering hall. The Bijou, an independent movie venue; the Spotless Mind Café, a bar and eatery; and Two Boots Roadhouse, a music hall and restaurant, are all being designed by renowned architects who will maintain the beauty of the brick facades while bringing the interiors into the 21st century.
While watching movies at the new Bijou, patrons will drink creative (even alcoholic) milkshakes and specialty drinks, and relax on couches and loveseats in a raised lounge area behind the traditional theater seats."
When will the Bijou reopen?
Here’s the NY Times article from late May mentioned above. View link
I am so excited, no matter what movies they play they already have my business!
New updates on the Bijou and the new owner at View link
Actually, there are about 5 or so old theatres in downtown Bridgeport that are still historically intact and vacant. The future of the Bijou will determine the fate of the other theatres.
There is a picture of the interior of this theater in today’s NY Times Real Estate section. The article is about some of the re-hab work being done in an attempt to revive downtown Bridgeport’s fortunes.
In any even, the group Philip Kuchma is involved with in the “Bijou Square” rehabilitation project included Phil Harman, an owner of the Two Boots restaurants in New York as well as the Two Boots cinema in the East Village, where I’ll be going tonight to catch “Miracle in Milan.”
My friend gave me this flyer about the Bijou and its hiring.
Nuts to You! The historic Bijout Theatre in downtown Bridgeport is seeking 60 overeducated, underemployed culture vultures to staff its restaurant, bar, cafe, offices, music halls, torture chambers and indie/arts cinemas. Come be a part of the re-opening of the oldest movie theatre in America this October in mutherfuckin' downtown Bridgeport! Experience helpful…but we will train the right peeps. Email Keith Rodgerson at .edu to set up an interview or call 203-522-0040. Of note, Keith is on the City Council and is only 30 years old.
Here are the latest articles on Kuchma and the renovations. View link is from April 21 and View link from November 11.
This listing should be changed to Bijou Theatre and listed as renovating. It is scheduled to reopen this summer.
Philip Kuchma of Kuchma Corp. os working to save this theatre according to a recent Connecticut Post article. Try giving him a call.
If anyone knows any information that would assist me in buyinb the building, please contact me at or I live nearby and grew up in Brdgeport spending most of my weekends at the movies.., What about Loews Poli and Palace Theater, the best of them all, anywhere. Also in Bpt.
Kevin, I think it is too late. I stopped by the Downtown Cinema (which opened as the Bijou nearly 100 years ago) in January and the marquee had been removed along with the for sale sign. It is also no longer listed on the John D Hastings Realty web site. Who bought it or what the future holds, I have no idea.
P.S.: Kevin, it seems you must live in Connecticut as do I. E-mail me by clicking on my name and following the E-Mail link in my profile.
Roger what a great web site cinema treasures is. Are you familiar with this theatre? How long has it been closed? Is it worth re opening as a movie theatre? Hope you can help me with this befor Idecide on calling the seller.