WRE News: Olympia Theater Set to Open for Miami Film Festival Amidst Fears of Permanent Closure

Miami, FL – March 9, 2025 – Fears have mounted in recent years that Miami’s historic Olympia Theater could go dark for good — Downtown Miami’s Olympia Theater, a nearly century-old architectural gem, has seen little use since the City of Miami took control in 2020.

Once a grand silent movie house with a night-sky-painted ceiling, the venue has languished amid financial struggles and structural concerns. However, Miami Film Festival has provided a glimmer of hope, announcing that the theater will reopen next month for screenings, including the festival’s opening and closing films.

Despite ongoing concerns about the building’s condition, festival organizers are eager to bring audiences back to this storied space. James Woolley, the festival’s executive director, emphasized the theater’s unique charm and historical significance, calling its reopening a fitting tribute to Miami’s cultural heritage.

While questions remain about the theater’s long-term future, its return to the spotlight—at least for now—is a welcome revival.