Local residents and community groups in Kips Bay are asking NYU Langone to intervene and stop the planned shutdown of the AMC Kips Bay 15 movie theater. The theater, a neighborhood venue in Manhattan, is slated to close later this year, prompting a coordinated campaign to preserve it and the nearby Fairway Market.
The campaign organizers have formally requested a public meeting with representatives of NYU Langone to discuss options for keeping the theater operational through the end of 2026. Community groups say the theater provides cultural and entertainment value for the neighborhood and that its closure would affect local access to film. They also emphasize the importance of maintaining the adjacent Fairway Market, which shares the same block.
According to the information provided, the closure timeline extends to the end of 2026, giving residents a window to influence the decision. The theater’s name, AMC Kips Bay 15, reflects its 15-screen configuration, though the exact number of screens is not detailed beyond the title.
NYU Langone, a major medical institution in the area, has been identified as a key stakeholder because of its ownership or lease interests in the property that includes the theater and the market. The community groups have indicated that a meeting with the institution could explore alternatives to a full shutdown, such as shared use or revised leasing terms.
The effort remains ongoing, with neighbors continuing to organize outreach and gather support. They have highlighted the theater’s role in the local cultural landscape and the desire to retain both the cinema and the Fairway Market as part of the neighborhood’s daily life.