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- calendar_today October 25, 2026
AMC Kips Bay Theater Faces Potential Closure
AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron has issued a public appeal to preserve the AMC Kips Bay theater in New York City, which is facing the possibility of closure due to proposed expansion by NYU Langone Health. The cinema, located at 570 Second Ave., has been a staple in the neighborhood for more than 25 years, but its future is now uncertain.
CEO Adam Aron's Open Letter to the Community
Adam Aron addressed an open letter to the Kips Bay community following an engagement with Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal. In his letter, Aron expressed his and the company's desire to keep AMC Kips Bay open. He wrote, "AMC Theatres does not want to go. Not one little bit. AMC Theatres wants to stay in Kips Bay." The correspondence followed public discussions and concern among residents and moviegoers about the fate of the theater.
Advocacy from Local Officials
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal encouraged AMC leadership to speak out about the situation. In response, Hoylman-Sigal stated, "At my urging, AMC's CEO has weighed in to make clear: they want to continue operating a movie theater in Kips Bay. Any proposed rezoning must deliver what this neighborhood needs: a movie theater, a supermarket, and housing. Kips Bay deserves all three, and I'll fight to make it happen." Aron also thanked Hoylman-Sigal and New York State Assembly Member Keith Powers for what he described as their advocacy for the theater and the local community.
NYU Langone's Expansion and Lease Termination
According to Adam Aron, the building's owner has terminated AMC's lease, anticipating a property transfer to NYU Langone Health, which plans to expand its facilities nearby. This move could bring about the end of AMC Kips Bay's operations unless an alternative arrangement is reached. Aron explained that the company has put forward several proposals, including either sharing an expanded building with the theater or reducing the theater's footprint to allow continued operation at the site.
A Call for Compromise and Creative Solutions
Aron called on NYU Langone Health to collaborate on a solution that would allow both the expansion of world-class medical facilities and the preservation of the movie theater. "We call on NYU Langone Health to open their minds, to think creatively, and come up with a solution that will give the Kips Bay community BOTH of the two things that is wanted most of all: expanded facilities offering the world-class medical care that is the hallmark of NYU Langone Health AND a fully functional AMC Theatre on Second Avenue," he wrote.
Deadline for Decision Looms
The threat of theater closure is imminent, with Aron's letter warning that AMC Kips Bay 15 could shut down as soon as January 3 unless a new solution is devised. Aron closed his message by expressing appreciation for the support from the neighborhood and reaffirmed AMC's desire to remain an integral part of the community. "Whatever happens, I want you to know how much AMC appreciates your support, your efforts and your voice. We are proud to have been part of the Kips Bay community since 1999, and I sincerely hope that we can continue to be part of it for years to come," said Aron.
Source: abc7ny.com.
