Downtown Buffalo's Sole Movie Theater to Close by Year's End

Downtown Buffalo's only movie theater, the AMC Market Arcade 8, is set to close its doors on December 31, 2025.

 

This decision comes as a significant blow to the city's entertainment landscape.

 

Located at 639 Main Street, the theater has been a cornerstone of Buffalo's Theater District since its original opening in 1987.

 

Over the years, it has operated under various managements, including General Cinema, Angelika Film Center, and Dipson Theatres.

 

In 2018, AMC Entertainment took over the venue, investing nearly $9 million in renovations to revitalize the space.

 

Despite these efforts, the theater has struggled with declining attendance, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent shift towards home streaming services.

 

According to recent reports, negotiations between AMC and the building's owner, Benchmark Group, failed to yield a sustainable path forward.

 

Martin DelleBovi, director of real estate for Benchmark, noted that AMC exercised its right to terminate the lease after seven years, citing an inability to recover pre-pandemic sales levels.

 

This closure reflects a broader national trend affecting movie theaters, as audiences increasingly opt for at-home viewing options.

 

Local officials express concern over the impact on downtown Buffalo's vibrancy.

 

Michael Schmand, executive director of Buffalo Place Inc., remarked that the theater's closure is part of a national decline and not solely a reflection of downtown's health.

 

Despite this setback, the Theater District continues to host a variety of performances at venues like Shea's Performing Arts Center and the Town Ballroom.

 

As the community grapples with this loss, stakeholders are exploring options to repurpose the space and maintain the district's cultural significance.

 

For now, residents and visitors have until the end of December to enjoy a final screening at the AMC Market Arcade 8.