Music Box Theatre Expands with Third Screen, Bucking National Trends in Bucktown

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Bucktown · December 28, 2025

While many movie theaters across the country face challenges in the streaming era, Bucktown's beloved Music Box Theatre is thriving with an exciting expansion. The historic art house cinema recently announced the addition of a new 100-seat third screen at its Southport Avenue location, along with the acquisition of the Heights Theater in Minneapolis.

The $750,000 expansion project, partially funded through a community development grant from the City of Chicago, will transform two adjacent storefronts into a new auditorium. "With a third screen, we'll be able to rotate films more flexibly and accommodate more requests," explained Brody Sheldon, co-owner and CEO of Music Box Theatre. The expansion will enhance programming options, including new late-night weekend screenings and Saturday morning shows for children, providing Bucktown families with additional entertainment options.

As the Music Box approaches its 100th birthday in 2029, this expansion represents a vote of confidence in Chicago's appetite for independent and foreign films. The theater has found success through "eclectic programming, community events and a dedicated staff," marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to serving as a cultural hub for the Chicago film community. Neighborhood residents can look forward to more diverse film offerings when the new screen opens in early 2026, further cementing Bucktown's reputation as one of Chicago's premier arts destinations.

Sources:
1. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/02/music-box-expansion/
2. https://www.wbez.org/movies-tv/2025/12/10/music-box-theatre-chicago-minnesota-the-heights-movies
3. https://southportcorridorchicago.com/2025/05/30/music-box-theatre-expands-into-former-click-shoes-space-adding-third-screen/