Many Kansas Citians were devastated to hear about the closing of the beloved Tivoli Cinema in Westport, a long-running indie movie theatre that had been operating for nearly 40 years. (Read about 5 other KC indie theatres here). However, fans can rejoice as the Tivoli is returning, thanks to the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.
This October, the Tivoli at the Nelson-Atkins will be reopening its doors at its new location.
The cinema will soon be located in the museum’s 500 seat Atkins Auditorium. Along with its new location, the theater will be getting significant upgrades as well including improved digital equipment, a new sound system, and larger film screens.
The Nelson Atkins Museum is excited to become home to the film scene and has big plans in store. “A diverse and exciting array of programs is planned, including revival and classic films, live opera and theatrical performances, silent films with musical accompaniment, Oscar-nominated shorts, screenings with directors, filmmakers, editors, producers, and artists, and pre and post-film community discussions” the institution wrote in a press release.
The first film showing will be on October 21 at 7:30 pm for a special Donor’s Premier of the 1926 silent classic The General.
“This is such an amazing opportunity for film lovers in Kansas City,” says Jerry Harrington, owner of the Tivoli. “My heart was broken when the Tivoli closed. I could never have imagined re-opening the doors in such a magnificent setting.”
GO: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111. Monday, 11:15 a.m.; Wednesday, 1 p.m.; Friday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. $7-$10. nelson-atkins.org.
