STACO - Save The Art Cinema Organization

The Art Cinema on Franklin Avenue in Hartford CT was originally opened in 1919 as a state if the art, local neighborhood movie theater and has been in constant operation for 99 years, It was known as a family theater for many years, though with the increasing pressures for the multiplexes in the 1970's  pushed them to show exclusively foreign films, and eventually exclusively adult films. The theater has been owned by the same family for 60 plus years.

Now it is time for some long needed renovations. A volunteer work crew has cleaned out the backstage area, removed outdated insulation, repaired the walls, begun painting, cleaning and fixing and cleaning seats. Our biggest and most essential project is the replacement of the alarm system. We have estimates between $12,000 as high as$35,000 to upgrade the system. This project is critical to allowing us to reopen the theater. We have several phases of upgrades and this is our first and most critical one, but to have the alarm system installed is vital at this juncture.

Donating will not only preserve this gorgeous theater for another 100 years it will insure that the many patrons of The Art Cinema will continue to enjoy all that it has to offer. Your donation of any denomination matters as you are contributing to ensure the theater will remain open and that we can make it an even better place than ever before. Please consider a donation and that you will be part of saving a beautiful building and one of the oldest theaters in the state.