a vision for our future
THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE COOLIDGE WILL FUND A breathtaking 14,000 sq. ft. addition that complements THE ART DECO MOVIE PALACE we know and love
ExpanSION
ADDITIONAL SPACES WILL INCREASE OUR CAPACITY TO SERVE OUR AUDIENCES
Two additional state-of-the-art theaters will meet audience demand to show more independent, first-run narrative and documentary films and to expand our curated special programming.
Moviehouse 5 will seat 149 and has a small stage for lectures and performances.
The more intimate Moviehouse 6, with 57 seats, will be ideal for smaller screenings and special events.
A new entrance on the Centre Street side of the building will open onto a spacious lobby atrium where movie-goers can gather indoors before and after screenings. The lobby will feature:
A new box office with indoor ticketing
Greater access to concessions
Additional family and unisex restrooms
A new elevator
Improved accessibility for guests with limited mobility
Together these spaces add up to more films, more educational programs, and a more welcoming and comfortable experience for our audiences.
engageMENT
A NEW DEDICATED SPACE FOR COOLIDGE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Our new, third-floor Community Education and Engagement Center will provide something the Coolidge could never offer before: dedicated classroom and event space for theater and community use. This flexible space will allow the Coolidge to:
Dramatically expand our educational offerings to students and adult learners
Develop innovative film programs with partners in new communities
Provide meeting or reception space for community gatherings and post-screening discussions
The space, which will seat 60 in classroom mode, includes an adjacent catering kitchen and opens onto an outdoor roof deck.
We will also open a media library of film books, films on Blu-Ray, and Coolidge memorabilia, including the Jay Carr Film Library collection.
preservATION
Restoring and enhancing our beloved art deco THEATRE for the next generation
Our expansion plans include the preservation and restoration of our historic Art Deco lobby, marquee, and theaters. These updates include:
Refreshing the space with new, historically appropriate carpeting and paint
Modern upgrades to lighting, electrical systems, and HVAC with MERV-rated filters and CIMR technology
LED upgrade to the iconic Coolidge Corner Theatre marquee
The building addition will also be fossil-fuel free, so that we can be good stewards of our community and lighten our environmental footprint.
The Campaign also includes a permanent endowment fund launched by a generous donor. As the fund grows with help from additional donors, interest generated will provide a reliable stream of income for the Coolidge in perpetuity.