Home / Arts and Entertainment / Historic Westfield Theater Reborn as Arts Hub
Historic Westfield Theater Reborn as Arts Hub
26 Jul
Summary
- A vacant movie theater in Westfield received a $43 million tax credit.
- The historic Rialto Theater will become a performance and arts center.
- The project is planned by the nonprofit Westfield Arts Collective.
A nearly century-old movie theater in downtown Westfield is set to be revitalized as a premier arts and performance venue, thanks to a substantial $43 million state tax credit. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved the award on July 22, supporting the transformation of the former Rialto Theater into the Rialto Center for Creativity.
The project, spearheaded by the nonprofit Westfield Arts Collective, aims to create a multifaceted destination for performance, education, and artistic expression. Plans include a 450-seat venue, gallery spaces, and classrooms for workshops and rehearsals. The organization anticipates beginning construction within the next year, with a projected opening in 2029.
This initiative received a significant boost with a $5 million anonymous donation, which helped advance the collective's acquisition of the building in 2021. The CAFE program, under which the tax credit was awarded, aims to foster the development of large-scale cultural facilities throughout New Jersey. The project has garnered local support for preserving a landmark while enriching the community's cultural landscape.
