By Elizabeth Barhydt
The Avon Theatre has gone dark, but it has not gone quiet.
The Stamford landmark, which first opened its doors in 1939, has entered a new chapter defined not by absence but by motion. With a $14 million renovation underway, the institution has left its historic home temporarily behind and taken its programming into the community, a decision that reflects both necessity and ambition.
“It’s a really big moment for us, and we’re incredibly excited,” said Executive Director Peter Gistelinck.
The initiative, titled “Avon on Tour,” relocates screenings to venues across the region, including the Ferguson Library, Bruce Museum, Darien Library, Stamford Town Center, Harbor Point, and Mill River Park. The approach is deliberate. It extends the Avon’s reach beyond its traditional audience and places it directly into the civic life of surrounding communities.
“We’ve created a thoughtful mix of films that fit these venues well, while also bringing back selections from the top 100 films in the Avon’s history,” Gistelinck said.
The screenings are largely free, a decision that reflects the theater’s mission.
The effort has drawn support from the First Bank of Greenwich, which serves as Presenting Sponsor of the tour and has also provided bridge loan financing for the renovation itself. The partnership reflects a shared understanding that institutions endure not only through preservation, but through adaptation.
Frank J. Gaudio, President of the First Bank of Greenwich, described his initial meeting with Gistelinck in personal terms. “This man is incredible. It’s a pleasure to work with someone so energetic and knowledgeable. We support more than 40 nonprofits, and Peter is one of the most impressive people I’ve encountered in my banking career,” he said.
For Gaudio, the decision to support the Avon was grounded in both professional judgment and personal conviction. “I can’t wait to see the theater reopen because I already know what it will become. That made this an easy decision for me as a banker — and not just because I like him,” he added with a laugh. “Even during the tour, I’m excited. Banking can sometimes be routine, but not this partnership. It’s rewarding to be involved from the very beginning.”
The renovation plans are extensive. They include an expanded footprint, state-of‑the‑art laser projectors, Dolby Atmos sound, a new multimedia and multifunctional space, and the addition of a cocktail bar and small eatery. The project is expected to culminate in a reopening in the summer of 2027.
Gistelinck emphasized that the work is not his alone. “My board co‑chairs, Arthur Selkowitz and Susan Cullman, have been very much involved and are the real drivers of this project from the very beginning. We would not succeed without their support as well as from our Board of Directors,” he said.
