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Downer Theatre suddenly closes after nearly 108 years

Downer Theatre opened on Dec. 3, 1915, and cost $65,000 to build (amounting to over $1.5 million today).

Milwaukee's oldest operating movie theater, Downer Theatre, has suddenly closed after nearly 108 years.

By: Shaun Gallagher , Madison Goldbeck

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MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee's oldest operating movie theater, Downer Theatre, has suddenly closed after nearly 108 years.

The neighborhood theater announced its closure in a short, vague online post.

"Landmark's Downer Theatre is now closed," the Instagram post reads. "We are proud to have served its community over its many years of operation. We thank you for your support."

"I saw on social media last night they were closing," Caroline Tyson of Milwaukee said. "It was very disappointing."

"It's sad that such a monument to the art world is coming to a conclusion," Rob Bailey of Milwaukee said.

"I was very, very sad," James South of Milwaukee said. "It's been an institution here since I moved to Milwaukee in the 90s."

It is unclear exactly why they decided to close their doors.

On Wednesday, Milwaukee Film, the Historic Downer Avenue BID, and Bridge33 Capitol released a joint statement about the closure.

In part, the group says, "Those closest to this transition are enthusiastic about the potential for what happens next."

Statement on the Downer Theatre closing — Milwaukee Film, Downer Avenue Business Improvement District and Bridge33 released a joint statement about the closing of the Downer Theatre.

Michael DeMichele, President of the Downer Avenue BID, said in the statement, "We have high hopes in finding a solution that continues to respect the tradition and historical integrity surrounding this incredible theatre that's been a foundational institution in Milwaukee's beloved Downer Avenue Commercial District for more than a century."

Additionally, because Milwaukee Film took over operations of the Oriental Theatre in 2018, it says it has fielded questions about being involved in the future of the Downer Theatre.

CEO Jonathan Jackson said, "We are honored to be a part of this active conversation and excited about this possibility. We will always champion fostering cinematic spaces and artistic voices and experiences in our community to bring people together any way we can."

It's news like this that fans want to hear, hoping there is a sequel to the Downer in the works.

"I'd love to see another theatre company come in and take over," Tyson said.

It’s feeling more real. The posters are coming down at the Downer Theatre. pic.twitter.com/8YIpe4xYUN
— Shaun Gallagher (@ShaunGalNews) September 20, 2023

"I don't know what's going to happen with the space," Bailey said. "But it will always be a theatre to me."

Downer Theatre opened on Dec. 3, 1915, and cost $65,000 to build (amounting to over $1.5 million today).

According to the theatre's website, "It was one of the finest and most modernly equipped motion picture houses in a residential district in the country, making it the prototype for 'neighborhood' theatres at the time."

The iconic East Side staple is known for playing independent and foreign films.