Chicago's Music Box Theatre is set to expand its operations with the addition of a third screen at its Southport Avenue location, which will debut in summer 2026. The theatre, currently owned by Brody Sheldon and the Schopf Family, has partnered with Ryan Oestreich to oversee the expansion.
As part of this new venture, Music Box Theatre also plans to acquire the Heights Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Although the theater's details are still under wraps, it is expected to reopen on January 9, 2026, with a film program featuring Jim Jarmusch's "Father Mother Sister Brother," classic repertory titles, and new programming curated by Music Box Theatre.
Heights Theater will maintain several cherished traditions, including its annual screening of "White Christmas" and partnerships with Trylon Cinema. However, the new ownership is set to introduce some fresh additions to the venue's schedule, including late-night screenings on Friday and Saturday nights, kids' Saturday morning cinema, and a revived silent film series with live organ accompaniment.
The expansion at Music Box Theatre comes as part of a broader effort to enhance its programming and offerings. The theatre's third screen is expected to provide more opportunities for independent, international, and repertory films, while also hosting filmmaker events, festivals, and extended runs.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has pledged support for the project through a community development grant from the city, which will help fund the expansion of Music Box Theatre's operations.
As part of this new venture, Music Box Theatre also plans to acquire the Heights Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Although the theater's details are still under wraps, it is expected to reopen on January 9, 2026, with a film program featuring Jim Jarmusch's "Father Mother Sister Brother," classic repertory titles, and new programming curated by Music Box Theatre.
Heights Theater will maintain several cherished traditions, including its annual screening of "White Christmas" and partnerships with Trylon Cinema. However, the new ownership is set to introduce some fresh additions to the venue's schedule, including late-night screenings on Friday and Saturday nights, kids' Saturday morning cinema, and a revived silent film series with live organ accompaniment.
The expansion at Music Box Theatre comes as part of a broader effort to enhance its programming and offerings. The theatre's third screen is expected to provide more opportunities for independent, international, and repertory films, while also hosting filmmaker events, festivals, and extended runs.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has pledged support for the project through a community development grant from the city, which will help fund the expansion of Music Box Theatre's operations.
I'm super stoked to hear that Music Box Theatre is getting a third screen 
, it'll be awesome to have more options for indie and international films! However, I gotta wonder about these new screening times - late nights on Fridays and Saturdays might not work for everyone, especially considering the theatre's location in Southport. And what's up with the kids' Saturday morning cinema? Will that cater to all ages or just a specific demographic? 
Also, I hope they don't compromise on the live organ accompaniment for their silent film series - that's such an underrated gem! 
I mean don't get me wrong it's gonna be awesome to have more options but what's the rush? Are they gonna open all three screens at the same time or just one and then bring up the other two later? Either way, I'm stoked about the Heights Theater acquisition tho! Jim Jarmusch's film program sounds amazing 
. It's awesome that they're expanding and adding new features like late-night screenings and kids' cinema. And acquiring the Heights Theater in Minneapolis? That's a game-changer for film lovers in the Midwest! The silent film series with live organ accompaniment sounds so cool, I'm definitely gonna check it out 
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They're adding a third screen and partnering with someone to oversee it, which is gonna bring more indie & international films to the area! Also they're getting another theatre in Minneapolis, Heights Theater, and that's gonna be awesome too 
i've been waitin for this day 4eva! they r gettin some new films & events comin in & it's gonna be lit!!! 
i'm low-key hyped 4 the silent film series w/ live organ accompaniment, that sounds sooo beautiful!!! 
I mean, I'm all for more options and whatnot, but let's not forget about the classics... a third screen might make it harder to catch those rare gems that are actually worth seeing 
sounds like a dream come true for any film buff! 
Can't wait to see which films will be screened at both theaters next year