The Capitol Theatre at 100

On November 25, 2025, the Capitol Theatre in Arlington, Massachusetts turned 100. This historic gem celebrated in style with a screening of Casablanca, a champagne toast, plus pre-show shorts and Bugs Bunny cartoon. It was a chance for the new owners (three out of four, long-time theater managers), to pause and reflect on how far they’ve come. They shared the moment with representatives of all the families who owned the movie palace in its 100 years as “Arlington’s Home Theatre.”

There were friends, neighbors, plus, state representatives and a U.S. Senator.

It was a magical night.

The theater’s future was not always certain, but on this night, we knew it would be here for decades to come.

The week prior, an NPR producer/reporter spent a few days with us to learn about the theater and what it takes to make it to 100. The following aired on Here & Now on the Capitol’s 100th birthday.

“The Capitol Movie Theatre in Arlington, Massachusetts, turns 100 years old on Tuesday. It's a story of success when others are struggling, according to research firm Omdia. Almost 5000 movie theaters have closed down since 2020.

Here & Now's Thomas Danielian heads to the theatre to see how they're doing on their big birthday.”