Castro Theatre Reopens After $41 Million Renovation

The historic San Francisco movie palace emerges from a two-year overhaul with new amenities and a restored 1922 design.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 7:47pm by Ben Kaplan

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After a $41 million, two-year renovation, the 104-year-old Castro Theatre in San Francisco is set to reopen to the public this Friday. The project uncovered hidden details like the original proscenium arch and a mysterious bricked-up passageway, while adding modern upgrades like expanded bathrooms, a new concession stand, and a $1 million custom organ. Despite some delays and budget overruns, the theater is ready to welcome back audiences with a packed schedule of film screenings, concerts, and live events.

Why it matters

The Castro Theatre is an iconic San Francisco landmark that has played a central role in the city's cultural and entertainment landscape for over a century. Its renovation preserves a piece of San Francisco history while also modernizing the space to meet the needs of contemporary audiences and events. The project's challenges and controversies, such as the displacement of neighboring businesses, also reflect the broader tensions around development and preservation in the rapidly changing city.

The details

The renovation project uncovered several hidden gems within the Castro Theatre, including the original 1922 proscenium arch that had been concealed by the movie screen since the 1950s, as well as a mysterious bricked-up passageway that may have been used for smuggling or secret access in the past. While the orchestra-level seats were removed to improve accessibility, the historic mezzanine seating remains. New features include expanded bathrooms, a full-service concession stand with beer, wine, and cocktails, and a $1 million custom organ that is still being tuned. The project faced delays and budget overruns, primarily due to the need to overhaul the theater's electrical and HVAC systems. Controversially, the renovation also led to the displacement of two long-standing neighboring businesses, Castro Coffee Company and Castro Nail Salon, which have since negotiated new locations nearby.

  • The Castro Theatre closed for renovations in 2024.
  • The $41 million renovation project took two years to complete.
  • The theater is set to reopen to the public this Friday, February 10, 2026.
  • A $1 million custom organ is expected to be ready for a screening of 'Serial Mom' on March 17, 2026.
  • The grand reopening screening of 'The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert' will take place on Friday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Another Planet Entertainment

The company that owns and operates the Castro Theatre and oversaw the renovation project.

David Perry

A spokesperson for Another Planet Entertainment.

Timothy Pflueger

The architect who designed the Castro Theatre in 1922.

Ken Khoury

The owner of the Castro Coffee Company, which was displaced by the renovation.

Riyad Khoury

The owner of the Castro Nail Salon, which was also displaced by the renovation.

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What they’re saying

“We're barely getting there.”

— David Perry, Spokesperson, Another Planet Entertainment (sfgate.com)

“We live out of this. My brother lives out of this. We're scared to death of the unknown.”

— Riyad Khoury, Owner, Castro Nail Salon (sfgate.com)

“The solution devised ensures that these cherished businesses will remain right here in the Castro for years to come.”

— David Perry, Spokesperson, Another Planet Entertainment (sfgate.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The Castro Theatre's $41 million renovation has preserved a beloved San Francisco landmark while modernizing it for the 21st century, though the project's challenges and controversies highlight the ongoing tensions between development and preservation in the city.