Bellevue Theater Reopens in Montclair After Six Year Closure

The Bellevue Theater in Montclair reopened last week after closing in 2017. It brought back a 103-year-old venue that first opened in 1922. The cinema held its ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 29, 2025, on Bellevue Avenue. 

Montclair Film now runs the restored venue, which features new seating, projection systems, and a redesigned lobby. The concession stand has been moved toward the back with a new color scheme that catches your eye when you walk in.

"There's a wonderful nostalgia in this community about having this theater reopen, and we are so excited to have it back in the community for all of you," said Evelyn McGee Colbert, president of Montclair Film, according to Montclair Local.

Mayor Renee Baskerville recalled watching films at the venue as far back as the 1960s, including Mary Poppins. She talked about the sadness residents felt when the cinema closed after a 95-year run. 

The venue held screenings during the 2025 Montclair Film Festival. The Sound of Music played there. Friday was the first major opening weekend for the restored space, and anticipation had been building among residents who had waited years for this moment.

Theater One now has wide seats, better sound, and new projection equipment. Patrons who came to opening weekend said the changes were striking after an eight-year absence.

Montclair Film relaunched its website so visitors can buy tickets to movies at both the reopened venue and The Clairidge, another cinema the organization operates. The site also lets people sign up for classes and events, making it easier to stay connected with what's showing and when.

Lacey said the partnership between local businesses and the film organization shows commitment to the community. The reopening creates what she called an "economic multiplier effect" that extends past the end credits of each screening.