On Tuesday, May 28th, the Concourse Plaza Multiplex Cinemas closed its doors after over 30 years of operation, leaving the Bronx with just one remaining movie theater. This closure marks a significant cultural loss for the borough, which has more than 1 million residents.
The Concourse Plaza Multiplex, located on 161st Street in Grand Concourse, has been a beloved local institution since it opened in 1991 with the screening of “Home Alone” and “Thelma & Louise.” Over the years, it has been a central entertainment hub for Bronx families. Many residents recall fond memories of visiting the theater during their childhood.
The theater’s parent company, Showcase Cinemas, attributed the closure to a “business decision.” This decision aligns with a broader national trend where more Americans are opting to watch movies from home rather than in theaters. According to the National Cinema Foundation, the United States lost over 5% of its movie screens between 2019 and 2022.
Local officials and community members have voiced their concerns over the closure of the Bronx movie theater. City Councilmember Althea Stevens, who represents the area and grew up attending the multiplex, noted that the community might have taken the theater for granted.
Rossmery Dais, chair of the Municipal Services Committee for Community Board 4, emphasized the broader implications of the closure, stating that it is another sign of divestment in the Bronx. She said, “The fact that that’s taken away, unfortunately, it’s a reminder that, we’re last on the totem pole. And we feel sometimes that other folks feel like we’re not worthy. We’re not worthy of nice things.”
In 2017, Barnes and Noble closed its storefront in Co-op City, leaving the Bronx with no general-interest bookstore. Though local politicians and residents tried to dissuade the only bookstore in the Bronx from closing, their efforts were unsuccessful, with a Saks Off Fifth moving into the space shortly after the Barnes and Noble vacated.
Starting May 29, Bronx residents who wish to see a movie will have to travel to the AMC Bay Plaza Cinema 13 in Co-op City. For many, this will be a significant inconvenience, especially for those relying on public transportation.
