As Chicago’s beloved Music Box Theatre approaches its 100th birthday in 2029, it is preparing for a landmark year of growth both in the city it calls home and across state lines in Minnesota.
Longtime owners Brody Sheldon and the Schopf family announced two major milestones for 2026. The first is the addition of a new 100 seat third screen at the Music Box’s Lakeview location. The second is the acquisition of the legendary The Heights Theater in Columbia Heights, just outside Minneapolis.
“These projects are about one thing,” said Brody Sheldon, co-owner of the Music Box Theatre. “Sharing our passion for great films with even more people, in more beautiful, historic spaces. The Music Box has always been about discovery, community, and the magic of cinema on the big screen, and now we get to bring that experience to more film lovers in Chicago and beyond.”
A New Third Screen for Chicago
The expansion in Chicago brings a long planned project to life. Set to open in summer 2026, the new 100 seat Theatre 3 will be built from two commercial storefronts located just south of the existing venue. The development is funded by ownership along with support from a Community Development Grant from the City of Chicago.
The additional screen will allow the Music Box to broaden its programming mix, extend runs of popular films, host more filmmaker appearances, and increase opportunities for community focused events. The project further strengthens the venue’s role as a cultural anchor within Chicago’s independent film scene.
The Legendary The Heights Theater Joins the Music Box Family
Beginning January 2026, the legendary The Heights Theater, a 1926 atmospheric treasure, will officially become part of the Music Box family. Known for its vintage charm and warm, classic moviehouse atmosphere, The Heights will continue offering the programming its audiences have cherished for decades. Screenings will be presented in pristine digital, 35 millimeter, and 70 millimeter formats, mirroring the Music Box’s commitment to high quality exhibition.
Under new leadership, The Heights will also see the introduction of new film series, expanded hours, community programs, and late night screenings curated by the Music Box team.
Ryan Oestreich, General Manager of the Music Box Theatre and a Minnesota native, will join Sheldon and the Schopf family in the acquisition and help oversee the theater’s operations. His role ensures The Heights retains its distinct personality while benefiting from the Music Box’s programming expertise.
“Chicago has been our home for almost 100 years,” Sheldon added. “Now we are honored to grow that home, one screen and one city at a time.”
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