The Varsity Theatre in Seattle’s University District officially closed its doors on January 15, 2024, marking the end of over 80 years of cinematic history. Known for its unique blend of mainstream films and independent cinema, this three-screen venue became a cornerstone for both students and local residents. The operator cited rising operational costs and ongoing challenges from the pandemic as key reasons for the closure.
On its final day, the atmosphere was bittersweet as students and long-time patrons gathered for one last screening. According to KUOW, the farewell lineup featured the latest installment of the Avatar franchise alongside smaller, independent films. The event felt significant to many, with Christian Mackie describing the loss as “heartbreaking.” Other attendees echoed this sentiment, calling their visit “a last chance to say goodbye to an old friend.”
Decades of Community Engagement
First opened in 1940, the Varsity Theatre has been a staple in the community for generations. It operated as a three-screen cinema, hosting everything from blockbuster hits to niche arthouse films. The venue was taken over by Far Away Entertainment in 2015, which aimed to blend mainstream offerings with curated programming, creating a unique viewing experience for its audience.
In a closing notice, the theatre’s staff emphasized the “ongoing challenges following the pandemic and rising costs” that rendered its future “impossible.” As reported by KIRO 7, the operator expressed hope that the Varsity might find renewed purpose for film, live events, or community programming in the future. For now, regular movie operations at the Varsity will cease.
Impact on Local Film Culture
The closure of the Varsity Theatre leaves a significant gap in the local film landscape, particularly for arthouse films. Nearby alternatives are limited, as the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) has announced it will not renew its lease at the Egyptian Theatre following extensive flood damage. According to SIFF, this loss further diminishes options for film enthusiasts in the area.
For mainstream films, the nearest multiplex appears to be the Regal Thornton Place in Northgate, as reported by FOX 13 Seattle, but this location does not serve the same community-focused experience that the Varsity provided.
As the theatre’s staff expressed gratitude to its audiences for their years of support, uncertainty looms over the future of the venue and what it might become. “Thank you to everyone who supported the Varsity over the years, audiences, staff, partners, and the U District community,” the company noted, according to KIRO 7. Local residents remain hopeful that something new will emerge in its place, but for now, the Varsity Theatre’s departure signifies a poignant shift in the cultural fabric of the University District.
