The Avon Cinema, a cornerstone of Rhode Island’s art-house film scene, has been a cultural landmark since its opening in February 1938. Originally a garage following the closure of the short-lived Toy Theatre in 1915, the building was remodeled into the Avon Cinema and has since become synonymous with specialty cinema. Nestled on bustling Thayer Street near Brown University, its single-screen format and curated film selection have made it a beloved venue for moviegoers from Providence and beyond.

Initially, the Avon Cinema briefly pivoted away from its art-house roots during the early 1940s, operating as a second-run neighborhood theatre showcasing double bills of recent American releases. However, after World War II, it fully embraced its identity as an art-house theatre. Renowned for its programming, the Avon featured European classics, particularly French and Italian films, alongside British dramas and comedies. Iconic American films like Marty also graced its screen, with the theatre gaining a reputation for showcasing unique and distinguished cinematic works.

In the 1970s, the Avon evolved into a repertory cinema, screening double features of celebrated American and international films. Bills rotated multiple times a week, attracting cinephiles seeking diverse, high-quality programming. After the nearby Cinerama Theatre closed in 1983, the Avon returned to its original focus on first-run foreign and domestic films of distinction, reclaiming its place as a premier venue for art-house cinema.

Today, the Avon Cinema endures as a single-screen theater in an era dominated by multiplexes, thanks to its loyal audience and prime location near Brown University. Its carefully curated selection of films and commitment to cinematic artistry have cemented its status as a Rhode Island institution and a cherished part of Providence’s cultural fabric.