The Grand Illusion is Moving
In 2023, the building that has been our home for decades was sold by its longtime owner. We recently learned that our lease will not be renewed when it expires in February 2025.
Our plan has always been to relocate the cinema. We are deeply grateful for our home of the past 50+ years, but the time has come for us to build an even grander Grand Illusion! Here’s how you can help us recreate the magic of the Grand Illusion in a new location:
Keep coming to see movies.
We will be running a regular schedule of films through January 30, 2025. Keep an eye out for special screenings before we vacate our current location.
Stay in touch.
We’ll be making regular announcements about news and upcoming shows. Subscribe to our email list and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Visit us around town starting in February 2025.
While we work on securing and building our new home, we are excited to announce that a partnership with Northwest Film Forum (NWFF) is in the works. We will host regular pop-up screenings at NWFF and other venues across Seattle. Stay tuned for more information.
Donate to help us create a new Grand Illusion in the U District.
We are actively working with the U District Partnership, the nonprofit organization that supports businesses in the neighborhood. With their help, we’ve identified a few potential locations, but it will take time and money to recreate the magic in a new location. Give today!
Become a member.
From now until we find a new, long-term home, sales of new memberships will be limited to the $40 level. It is entirely tax-deductible and you’ll receive reduced admission at our pop-up events.
In 2004, the Grand Illusion became a nonprofit organization. Since then, we have operated as the only 100% volunteer-run cinema in the United States. No one is paid to work here and we exist mainly due to the dedication and generosity of 30+ volunteers. Therefore, your financial assistance will go a long way towards helping us find and build an even grander Grand Illusion.
Cinephiles in Seattle have supported this cinema for over 50 years. Movies old and new from across the world have graced our screen. Known and unknown filmmakers have visited. Lifelong connections have been made here. Thank you for being part of our history and helping us move forward to create a new Grand Illusion.
Sincerely,
The Volunteers & Board of the Grand Illusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Grand Illusion closing forever? I heard you closed months ago!
We have no intention of closing forever. When our building first went up for sale in 2023, some people thought that meant we closed. Nope! Any rumors of our demise are greatly exaggerated!
We just need some time to find a new location and build it out. There aren’t many turnkey cinemas floating around town that we can afford!
It’s important to note that we are an incredibly successful nonprofit. 2023 was a record year for us and our relocation is strictly due to our lease ending.
I love the Grand Illusion! How can I help?
- Donate Today. Help us establish our new home. You can donate with credit/debit through our website and we also accept cash donations at our box office. If you would like to make an anonymous donation please use the WA Gives portal.
- Subscribe to our Email List.
- Come to our shows!
What happens after January 2025?
In February, daily operations at our current location will cease so we can vacate the space. We are pleased to announce that a partnership with Northwest Film Forum is in the works. We will host regular pop-up events at NWFF and elsewhere in February 2025 and beyond. Look for an announcement about our popup schedule closer to 2025.
What is the timeline for finding a new location?
The wheels are in motion! We want to find a location that allows us to maintain the charming aspects of the Grand Illusion while improving the overall experience. We don’t really know how long that will take, but we’re actively looking. Beyond that, once we sign a new lease permitting and construction will take many months.
How much money do you need to raise?
We are working with consultants to get a ballpark estimate of buildout costs for a new space. Luckily, a lot of our equipment will transfer into a similarly sized auditorium and most of the expenses will be construction. We’ll update as soon as we have a better idea!
Will you be showing It’s a Wonderful Life this year?
Yes, definitely—and in 35mm! We are deeply committed to this longtime tradition of the theater – this year more than ever! We will also keep showing it each year in our new home.
I am a Member. What is happening with my membership?
Thank you for supporting us with a membership! We sent an email to all current members explaining what will happen with your membership. Here’s a brief recap:
Continue to use your membership at our current location through January 2025. If you’re a Patron or Sponsor level member we encourage you to redeem your free passes and free popcorn as soon as possible (please email memberships@grandillusioncinema.org with questions).
After January 2025, we will honor discounted tickets for all members in good standing at our popup screenings.
We are limiting all new membership sales to the $40 level, which is 100% tax-deductible. If you wish to support us at a higher level, please donate! We offer the ability to do either a one-time donation and soon we’ll offer the option to make a recurring monthly donation.
Will you still show movies on 35mm?
Yes! As one of the only theaters in the Pacific Northwest to regularly screen movies on 35mm film, we realize our uniquely diverse programming is a major asset to Seattle area movie lovers. We are keeping our 35mm projectors, and having them up and running in our new home is a top priority.
Can I still rent the theater?
For now: yes. We will continue to book rentals at our current location until mid-January, 2025. Learn more about renting the theater.
Rentals will be suspended after we move out. Once we are settled in to our new home, we will resume booking rentals at an appropriate time.