Athena Cinema to extend closure through fall semester to accommodate building repairs

Ohio University Facilities Management and Safety (FMS) has announced that Athena Cinema will remain closed through fall semester to allow for the completion of needed building repairs.

Athena Cinema staff will continue working in the building throughout fall semester, and the front portion of the building is anticipated to remain open for regular lobby hours and sidewalk sales. Additionally, both local businesses located at 20 South Court St. will continue to maintain their regular operations.

The Athena Cinema originally closed in May 2023 after FMS staff identified potential structural maintenance needs within the 108-year-old theater space. Project updates will continue to be shared with the University and Athens community in the coming months via OHIO News and athenacinema.com.

Fall semester course relocation and event rescheduling details

Four fine arts courses that were previously scheduled to meet in Athena Cinema during fall semester have been relocated to nearby campus locations. The College of Fine Arts has reached out directly to all affected students and faculty to share specific relocation details.

The Athena Cinema plans to relocate many of its planned fall programming to The Ridges Auditorium located at 23 Ridges Circle in Athens.

“The Ridges Auditorium is a beautiful space that’s rich in history, and the space encompasses what we love so much about our theater on Court St.—it truly feels like a shared space for the OHIO and Athens communities,” said Alexandra Kamody, director of the Athena Cinema.

Kamody also shared that Athena Cinema plans to continue to host multiple outdoor events during early fall as well, including a special Welcome Week event at the top of the Athens Parking Garage for students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community, following the popularity of the theater’s outdoor summer events.

Event updates will continue to be shared online through the Ohio University Calendar of Events and athenacinema.com. If you have questions regarding a specific fall event reservation at Athena Cinema, please contact the event coordinator directly.

The Athena Cinema staff remains committed to finding ways to further enhance its partnerships with campus and community organizations, and they encourage current and prospective partners to connect with them with any ideas, questions or concerns. Athena staff will also be reaching out soon to both current and expiring theater membership holders to discuss their patron benefits and extension options.