San Francisco's Historic Castro Theatre Reopens After Renovation

The 1922 movie palace has been transformed into a 21st-century performance space.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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San Francisco's iconic Castro Theatre has reopened after a two-year, $41 million renovation led by local firm CAW Architects and preservation architects Page & Turnbull. The project restored the building's historic features, including its Spanish baroque facade, Italian Renaissance murals, ornate plaster ceiling, art deco chandelier, and neon marquee and blade sign. The team also added a four-story addition with modern amenities to allow the theater to transition from a movie palace to a contemporary performance center.

Why it matters

The Castro Theatre is a beloved landmark in San Francisco's LGBTQ+ epicenter, and its restoration preserves an important piece of the city's cultural heritage. The renovation allows the historic theater to continue serving the community as a performance venue while updating it for 21st-century needs.

The details

The two-year renovation project included a full building restoration, the addition of a four-story structure with restrooms, dressing rooms, and storage, and the installation of new mechanical, electrical, and theatrical systems. The team's main goal was to preserve the theater's original 1922 design by architect Timothy Pflueger, including its Spanish baroque facade, Italian Renaissance murals, and ornate plaster ceiling. They also restored the art deco chandelier added after a 1937 fire, as well as the iconic neon marquee and blade sign.

  • The Castro Theatre reopened on February 6, 2026 after a two-year renovation.
  • The $41 million renovation project began in 2024.

The players

CAW Architects

The local firm that led the renovation project along with preservation architects Page & Turnbull.

Page & Turnbull

The preservation architecture firm that collaborated with CAW Architects on the Castro Theatre renovation.

Timothy Pflueger

The prominent Bay Area architect who designed the original 1922 Castro Theatre building.

Carolyn Kiernat

The principal at Page & Turnbull who worked on the renovation project.

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What they’re saying

“When we started this project, nobody knew that a gold-painted plaster proscenium was there. Now restored, the ornately columned frame commands center stage.”

— Carolyn Kiernat, Principal, Page & Turnbull (Architectural Record)

What’s next

The Castro Theatre is expected to host its first major performance event in its renovated space in March 2026.

The takeaway

The Castro Theatre's renovation preserves an iconic San Francisco landmark and allows it to continue serving the community as a vital performance venue, blending its historic character with modern upgrades to meet 21st-century needs.