KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Tivoli Cinemas began its second act Monday night when it reopened inside the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
The art house movie theater, which closed its doors in April after nearly four decades in Westport, showed its first public screening as the Tivoli at the Nelson-Atkins.
Julian Zugazagoitia, the museum’s director and CEO, said the theater meant too much to Kansas City to see it close. He said he called Tivoli owner Jerry Harrington shortly after he announced plans to close and asked how the museum could help.
“(We) didn’t want to miss having the opportunity of seeing films that otherwise you don’t get to see,” Zugazagoitia said.
Harrington, now film curator for the Nelson-Atkins, said he’s enjoying his new role, which comes with less pressure than owning a theater.
“I want it to be successful. I want people to like it, but I also don’t have to worry about leaky faucets and roofs,” Harrington said.
Both Zugazagoitia and Harrington said one of the major goals in bringing Tivoli Cinemas to the Nelson-Atkins was to create a community of film lovers. They encourage people to have a meal or drink at the Rozzelle Court following a showing to discuss the film with others.
“The idea is that you might be able to meet and interact with people that you didn’t know and just discuss a movie,” Zugazagoitia said. “I think that is bringing a community together.”
Tickets to films are $7 for museum members and $10 for non-members. More information on tickets and show times can be found on the museum’s website.
