Landmark movie theater Village 8 closing after almost 50 years

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A movie theater known for discounted ticket prices is closing for good this summer.

Village 8, a landmark theater in Dupont Village in St. Matthews, has shown movies for around 50 years. The eight-screen theater is closing on July 5.

Norton Healthcare purchased the Dutchmans Lane property in 2016 and has been leasing the space.

The owners of Village 8, Apex Entertainment, said Norton Healthcare has been a "generous partner" and helped keep its doors open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Village 8 was closed from Aug. 2020 through June 2021 due to the pandemic.

"We appreciate the patronage and support of the whole Louisville community," Apex Entertainment said in a statement. "We invite the public to watch movies and support an independent theater group at our newer, remodeled facility, Baxter Avenue Theaters."

Last summer, Village 8 and Baxter Avenue Theaters received around $1.8 million in relief funds from the Shuttered Venue Operators Grants.

After decades of showing second-run films, Village 8 announced last September moviegoers would be able to watch new releases at the theater.

A Louisville movie goer said the Village's closing is a sign of the times.

"Taking advantage of the $2 Tuesdays and the $3 Thursdays and I'm retired so it's a good time to come during the day and we will miss it when it's gone, it's been a good institution for us," Larry Emery said. "COVID really slowed things down, but it's picked up again and we're sorry to see it go."

Titles of the showings the theater offers can be browsed at the Village 8's website.

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