MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Film has bought the historic Downer Theatre from Bridge 33, the organization announced in a release on Monday.
“Owning the Downer Theatre is a dream-come-true for Milwaukee Film,” said Milwaukee Film Executive Director Susan Kerns in a release.
Though the sale is new, Milwaukee Film’s oversight of “Wisconsin’s oldest still-operating movie theater” is not. It’s been renting the facility from and managing it for Bridge 33 for the past two years, since 2024.
That came after the theater unexpectedly closed in September 2023. In response, Milwaukee Film said it would take over the space, and it reopened for the 2024 Milwaukee Film Festival.
Since then, Milwaukee Film has worked on making improvements to the space, which is over 100 years old. Now, it’s looking to kick off more efforts in historic preservation, renovation, and more.
“By revitalizing the surrounding retail mix and maintaining a flexible partnership with Milwaukee Film over the last two years, we were able to bridge the gap to permanent local ownership. We are proud to have served as stewards of this property and to pass the torch to an organization that is so vital to Milwaukee’s cultural fabric,” said Matt Galas, asset manager at Bridge33 Capital, in the release.
Milwaukee Film said it was able to purchase the theatre thanks to private donations and a low-interest loan.
Bridge33 had owned it since early 2020. Over the last six years, it worked to strengthen the area and promote the local theatre.
Milwaukee Film built on that when it took over the space, and in 2025, the Downer Theatre generated $952,500 for the neighborhood.
Kerns said this step is “just the beginning.”
“We have ambitious plans to restore this historic cinema in a way that honors its legacy while ensuring it serves today’s audiences,” said Kerns in part. “Our vision includes upgraded seating, expanded accessibility features, upgraded audio and projection systems, and the addition of 35mm film capabilities to reconnect the theater with its rich tradition of cinema exhibition. We are also planning significant improvements to restrooms and an expanded lobby that will create a more welcoming and inclusive gathering space for our community.”
The 2026 Milwaukee Film Festival will take place at the venue, and others, from April 16-30.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source spectrumnews1.com ’
