A beloved movie theater in Kips Bay is set to close at the end of the year, leaving some longtime moviegoers concerned about the loss.
AMC confirmed to NY1 that the AMC Kips Bay 15 on Second Avenue, near East 31st Street, will close at the end of 2026.
The theater opened in 1999, with AMC taking over the location in 2006.
Moviegoers who spoke with NY1 said the theater has become a longtime part of the neighborhood.
“This theater has been a cultural institution of this neighborhood since it was built like 25 years ago. I’ve been coming to this theater my entire life,” one moviegoer said.
He added that residents should organize to try to keep the theater open.
“I would hope that the residents of this neighborhood can organize and let their representatives know that this is not something we’re cool with,” the moviegoer said.
Another customer said the theater’s importance goes beyond watching movies.
“For me it’s definitely a loss because it’s not only about the movies and the theater, and everything. It’s just like the community,” the moviegoer said.
AMC said the theater is closing because the property owner is exercising its right to terminate the lease before it expires.
There have been reports that NYU Langone Health is planning to expand onto the site.
NY1 has reached out to NYU Langone Health for comment.
AMC will continue to operate eight other locations in Manhattan: AMC Lincoln Square 12, AMC Empire 25, AMC 34th Street 14, AMC 84th Street 6, AMC Village 7, AMC 19th St. East 6, AMC Orpheum 7 and AMC Magic Johnson Harlem 9.