Originally opened in 1929 as one of five famed “Wonder Theatres,” Loew’s Jersey Theatre is a landmark live entertainment venue in Jersey City’s Journal Square, celebrated for its grand scale, opulent detail and immersive experiences. After more than 40 years of limited use, the theatre has undergone a restoration to preserve its original character while transforming it into a versatile 21st-century venue.
The historic revitalization is a collaboration between the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA), the State of New Jersey/NJEDA and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE). Its unique standing-room-only floor and flexible seating allow the theatre to accommodate 2,600–4,000 guests, hosting a wide range of live entertainment.
1929
When Loew’s Jersey Theatre opened on September 28, it was more than a movie palace. The opening program paired the film Madame X with live entertainment, including Ben Black and his Rhythm Kings and the Loew’s Symphony Orchestra.
1930s
Pairing films with live stage shows, Loew’s drew more than one million patrons annually during the 1930s. Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope were among the legendary entertainers to take its stage.
1933
A young Frank Sinatra reportedly took Nancy Barbato to Loew’s Jersey to see Bing Crosby perform. According to the Sinatra family account, sitting in the audience and seeing Crosby that night helped inspire Frank to pursue singing himself.
1974
Loew’s adapted to a changing moviegoing era by dividing its original auditorium into three screening rooms—two on the orchestra level and one in the balcony.
1986
Loew’s closed in August 1986 and was slated for demolition. Residents rallied to save the theatre, launching a grassroots preservation effort that would shape its future.
1993
After years of preservation efforts led by Friends of the Loew’s, Jersey City purchased the theatre in 1993, securing its future.
2000s-2010s
In 2001, Loew’s partially reopened for the first time in 15 years. Over the next two decades, films, community events and live performances returned, with artists including Patti LaBelle, Beck and Yo La Tengo taking its stage—and scenes from the award-winning movie Joker filmed inside the theatre.
2021-2022
On February 22, Jersey City announced Loew’s would undergo a major restoration in collaboration with HBSE, JCRA, and NJEDA. The theatre also gained further recognition on April 25, 2022, when it was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
2026
Following an extensive historic restoration, Loew’s reopens in Fall 2026 as a year-round destination for live music, comedy, touring performances, community events, and more.
