Milwaukee Film purchases historic Downer Theatre

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee's oldest cinema is now under new ownership. 

Milwaukee Film has officially purchased the Downer Theatre on the city's east side. 

The organization re-opened the theatre in March of 2024, after Landmark closed its doors in 2023. 

Milwaukee film rented the space from Bridge 33 Capitol until the end of February this year, when they brought it for one and a half million dollars. 

The organization plans to begin renovations on the theater in 2028, including updating its screens and projections, seating, lobby and bathrooms.

Milwaukee Film is looking forward to making the Downer their home base. 

"Last year having the Downer and the Oriental as our two venues for the festival was so much fun because people could just go to a movie here, really quick hustle over to the Oriental, and it just made the whole area just feel like a little festival campus," said Kerstin Larson, programming director at Milwaukee Film. 

That will happen again next month, this year's Milwaukee Film Festival runs until April 16th through the 18th with screenings at both the Oriental and the Downer Theatres. It's the events 18th year. 

Milwaukee Film's purchase of the theater 

Milwaukee Film's purchase of the theater was made possible through private donations, as well as a low-interest loan courtesy The Helmerich Trust.