Historic Capitol Hill Cinema Egyptian to Close Permanently
SEATTLE – Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is losing a piece of its cinematic history as the SIFF Cinema Egyptian will permanently close its doors. The closure follows important water damage sustained last fall from a pipe leak,ultimately leading SIFF to terminate its lease.
The single-screen theater, a fixture in the city since 1916, will not reopen.The decision marks the end of an era for film lovers on Capitol Hill and represents a shift for SIFF, the Seattle international Film festival, as it navigates a changing landscape for independent cinemas. While repairs to the building are now complete, the space will be available for new tenants.
“After a lengthy decision process and many discussions, SIFF and Seattle Central have mutually decided to end SIFF’s current lease at the Egyptian,” SIFF Executive Director Tom Mara stated in a news release. “Much has changed for SIFF, our city, and the arts industry at large.”
The building’s history extends beyond film; it originally served as a Masonic Temple for many years before being acquired and renovated by SIFF in 1980. Landmark Theatres later operated the venue for a period.
SIFF continues to operate three other Seattle-area theaters: Cinema Downtown, the Uptown in Lower Queen Anne, and the Seattle Film Center in Seattle Center. The lease was held with Seattle Central College, which owns the building.
