Indie movie theater near NoDa prepares to open a new section after $795K expansion
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
IPH's new auditorium has space to add a stage for intimate theater productions. Photo: Ashley Mahoney/Axios
The Independent Picture House, a nonprofit arthouse movie theater near NoDa known for showing indie and foreign films, plans to open its new 145-seat auditorium on Friday.
Why it matters: It's part of an expansion that nearly doubles IPH in size. The new auditorium is the theater's largest and will allow IPH to serve more people and host more programs.
Catch up quick: IPH, which celebrated its second anniversary in June, announced plans in May to expand into the neighboring space previously occupied by the Charlotte Art League (the longtime arts organization has a smaller presence in the building).
What to expect: The theater now has four auditoriums: 17-seat, 77-seat, 105-seat and the new 145-seat space.
By the numbers: IPH has raised more than $710,000 for the estimated $795,000 project, which also covered staining and sealing floors throughout the entire theater. You can contribute to the project through the end of the year here.
What's next: IPH will also open a new roughly 960-square-foot multipurpose space that will be used for events, receptions and educational classes. The multipurpose space opens onto a patio for indoor/outdoor events.
- The theater's total footprint will be roughly 10,300 square feet (4,733 square feet of total new space) .
- The multipurpose space is expected to open by Dec. 1, with a grand opening for the full expansion in January.
Stop by: IPH is at 4237 Raleigh St. Find out what's playing here.
The big picture: Indie theaters provide moviegoers a place to discover art they may not otherwise be exposed to at a mainstream theater. IPH is keeping Charlotte's indie theater legacy alive.
- Charlotte lost two theaters catering to indie films in 2020: Manor Theatre in Myers Park, and the Regal Ballantyne Village. AMC purchased Park Terrace in Park Road Shopping Center. Now it shows mainstream movies.
Go deeper: Definitive guide to Charlotte's 11 movie theaters