Back in Business. Better Than Ever.

After being shuttered for two years in the wake of the pandemic, the grande dame of downtown La Grange is open once again, this time as a premier destination for first-run movies.

Located at 80 S La Grange Road, the La Grange Theatre has been a long-running act, retooling itself for changing times and tastes. Built in 1925, it originally featured live plays, bringing some of the most popular touring acts of the time to town. It was converted into a (single) movie theatre in the late 1940s. In 1994, it was expanded to four screens.

Responding to an outcry of public support, the La Grange Village Board voted unanimously in late 2021 to forgive $1 million in past village loans to the theatre and ensure the survival of the landmark. A 50-cent per ticket entertainment tax will now be split between the Village and Classic Cinemas, the Downers Grove-based chain that recently invested in the theater. Classic Cinemas runs other Chicago area theatres – including Oak Park’s Lake Theatre.

Classic Cinemas is known for revitalizing many historic theaters with first-run movies at reasonable prices, free refills for popcorn and soda, and sleek facilities that retain historic ambience. The company is spending about $1 million on upgrades in La Grange, including heated reclining seats. Three screens opened May 26th, all showing first-run summer blockbusters. Three additional screens are slated to reopen by early July, with a parade of top summer films to follow. Check the schedule here.

So head out for the full cinematic experience in downtown La Grange. And don’t forget, there’s great dining, shopping and fun around every corner to round out any night at the movies.