UPDATE: A New Life for Westfield’s Rialto
After sitting largely dormant since closing as a movie theater in 2019, Westfield’s historic Rialto is now headed toward a major rebirth. In July 2026, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority approved a $43.38 million tax credit award through its Cultural Arts Facilities Expansion (CAFE) Program to help transform the landmark into the Rialto Center for Creativity. The nonprofit behind the project is also launching an additional $10 million fundraising campaign, building on a previously announced $5 million leadership gift. Construction is now expected to begin in 2027, with the new center targeted to open in 2029.
Rather than simply restoring the Rialto as a traditional movie house, the project will reinvent the building as a community arts and cultural center while preserving the historic theater’s identity. Plans include a professionally equipped, flexible performance space for up to 450 people, with movies, live performances, lectures, and special events, along with gallery, workshop, and learning spaces. The project represents a remarkable second act for a downtown landmark that has been part of Westfield’s cultural landscape since 1922, more than a century after the Rialto first welcomed audiences through its doors.
Westfield, New Jersey – The 1922 Rialto Theater
The Rialto Theatre has been a Westfield landmark on the corner of East Broad Street and Central Avenue since September 1, 1922, when it showed its first two silent films: Sonny, starring Richard Barthelmess, and Cops, starring Buster Keaton. The Rialto anchored downtown with its stage, balcony, and single screen, which remained undisturbed until 1966, when United Artists Corporation took it over.
Two screens were added on May 26, 1978. A further three screens were added in 1997 after UA sold the theater,r bringing the total to five screens. In 2009, after Digiplex acquired the Rialto Theater, then Carmike Cinemas, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held following its renovation, which included new carpeting, newly designed concession stands, and upgrades to the theater’s six auditoriums, including Digital 3D.
The historic Rialto Theater and its sister cinema, the Cranford Theater, were purchased in 2017 by New Vision’s Jesse and Doreen Sayegh. Then, on August 22, 2019, the Rialto Theater suddenly silenced its projectors and shut its doors, surprising the community that had served for almost 100 years. Streaming services and high rent were stated as key causes of the closing.
The theater has since been turned into a community performing arts center. The Rialto awaits writing its next chapter in history.
Start Your Westfield Keepsake Collection
Below are links to keepsakes currently available in the New Jersey Historic Wooden Village Collection. Each piece is part of a one-time creation run and typically sells out. The New Jersey Historic Village keepsake collection is a painted-wood collectible series honoring iconic buildings, properties, and events that are part of New Jersey’s historic fabric.
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