Loew's Jersey Theatre reopens after $130M restoration

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Loew's Jersey Theatre reopens after $130M restoration By Sandra Bookman Monday, November 9, 2026 11:21PM Sandra Bookman has more on the theatre's reopening. JERSEY CITY (WABC) -- The marquee at the Loew's Jersey Theatre is shining once again after a $130 million restoration that has revived one of New Jersey's most recognizable historic venues. The theater reopened with a grand ceremony attended by partners involved in the project, including Jersey City, Hudson County and preservation advocates who helped support the restoration effort. The Loew's Jersey Theatre first opened in 1929 as one of the five original Loew's "Wonder Theatres," a group of elaborate movie palaces built across the New York metropolitan area. The theater became a cultural and social gathering place, hosting major performers including Bing Crosby and Duke Ellington. During the reopening celebration, Jersey City Council President Denise Ridley reflected on the significance of the moment. "As a life-long Jersey City resident, today marks a momentous occasion ... where we breathe new life into a Jersey City staple," Ridley said. Supporters said local preservationists played a key role in saving the building after years of uncertainty. "A group called the Friends of the Loew's worked for 20 years to save this building ... and preserve it," Jersey City resident Erwin Rosen said. Woman says she was struck in face during heated road rage incident on Staten Island 4 minutes ago Suspect in jogger's murder terminated by NYC Department of Education 1 hour ago Massie introduces impeachment articles against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth 33 minutes ago The theater lost prominence over the years and at one point faced possible demolition in the 1980s before receiving recognition as a National Historic Landmark. Following the restoration, the venue has been returned to its historic appearance, offering a renewed space for performances and community events. Bruce Wheeler, general manager of the Loew's Jersey Theatre, said the reopening carries personal meaning. "Knowing that my family has history in this area and were frequent visitors to this theater ... really, really makes me proud," Wheeler said. The reopening marks a new chapter for the nearly century-old theater, restoring a landmark that supporters say has long been part of Jersey City's history and identity. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT JERSEY CITY THEATER Watch Live ON NOW Staten Island road rage incident caught on video 4 minutes ago Suspect in jogger's murder terminated by Department of Education 1 hour ago Trump says he'd 'stand by' Hegseth even if he's impeached 33 minutes ago Racist letter targeting Somali family sparks outrage in Clark 1 hour ago Man charged after antisemitic threats target mother, child 7 minutes ago Man in custody after woman's death on MSC Seascape ship: officials 28 minutes ago Deadly battery fires fuel NYC crackdown on e-bikes 2 hours ago Another crash rocks Stratford neighborhood 33 minutes ago