By purchasing the property, Stewart hopes not only to restore the Highland Theatre itself, but to radically reimagine it as a space for the surrounding LA community. After all, the city is close to the actor\u2019s heart, considering she grew up in the San Fernando Valley with parents who worked in the film industry. She has staunchly advocated for her hometown throughout her career, in particular through her consistent support of the Downtown Women\u2019s Center. Still, she recognizes that LA and its film industry must evolve, and she hopes that the updated Highland Theatre can offer a timely solution.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe narrow path that\u2019s been forged has to be broadened, not by tokenized diversity but by doing things really differently,\u201d Stewart continued. \u201cWe can\u2019t keep making the same movie over and over again. And we can\u2019t turn our backs on the people who are most in need.\u201d<\/p>\n
Though parts of the three-story theater, such as its striking mezzanine and stage, remain partially intact, the restoration effort won\u2019t be an easy feat. Either way, it\u2019s a challenge that Stewart is prepared to face, believing that the building will offer a perfect hub for movie screenings and other public community events.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are so many beautiful details that need to be restored,\u201d Stewart said. \u201cI think there\u2019s a way to bring the building back to life in a way that embraces its history but also brings something new to the neighborhood and something new to the whole LA film community. That\u2019s the point\u2014new ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n
In her purchase, Stewart joins other Hollywood luminaries as an LA theater owner. Quentin Tarantino, for instance, owns two movie theaters, including New Beverly Cinema and the Vista Theatre. In 2024, a coalition of filmmakers led by Jason Reitman also bought the historic Village Theatre in Westwood.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis project is about creating a new school and restructuring our processes, finding a better way forward. We want to make it a family affair, something for the community,\u201d Stewart concluded. \u201cIt\u2019s not just for pretentious Hollywood cinephiles.\u201d<\/p>\n
LA\u2019s historic Highland Theatre shut down nearly two years ago, just shy of its 100th birthday. Kristin Stewart purchased the abandoned building with hopes not just to restore it, but reimagine it.
\n![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/kristen-stewart-highland-theatre-los-angeles-1.jpg\")
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Kristen Stewart at the 2026 WWD Style Awards. (Photo: Kevin Paul via Wikimedia Commons<\/a>, CC 4.0<\/a>)<\/p>\n Sources: Kristen Stewart\u2019s Bold Plan to Bring a Beloved Los Angeles Theater Back to Life<\/a>; Why Kristen Stewart just saved this historic L.A. theater<\/a>; Kristen Stewart Purchases Historic Highland Park Movie Theater: \u201cRan Toward It With Everything I Had\u201d<\/a>; Kristen Stewart Buys Highland Theatre, Plans To Create \u201cSomething For The Community \u2026 Not Just Pretentious Hollywood Cinephiles\u201d<\/a> Stingless Bees Have Become the First Insects To Gain Legal Rights<\/a><\/p>\n
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