SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – Tuesday, September 23, is the last day of business for the Heavenly Village Cinema in South Lake Tahoe. This was the last movie theater in the community, and the theater, once a cornerstone of Heavenly Village since the beginning, had operated in that location for two decades.
The decision reflects the pivotal changes in the movie industry over recent years, including the rapid growth of streaming services, according to the Village spokesperson Dreu Murin. He said the convenience of on-demand digital platforms, changing consumer viewing habits, and the lasting impact of the pandemic have affected theater attendance nationwide.
“We have reached a moment where the model for traditional cinemas has fundamentally shifted,” said Gary Casteel, President & CEO of Trans Sierra Investments / The Shops at Heavenly Village.” “While this marks the end of an era, it also represents an opportunity to shape the next chapter of the village in a way that best serves our community and visitors.”
Murin said there is a list of people interested in the space, which takes up approximately 20 percent of the footprint of Heavenly Village, which is located in the Stateline area of South Lake Tahoe.
The cinema was owned by Jerry and Jana Harrah.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Harrah’s and their team, whose passion, dedication, and support brought the cinema to life and sustained it through the years,” said Casteel. “Their leadership created countless memories for families, friends, and movie lovers who enjoyed the magic of the big screen right here in the heart of South Lake Tahoe.”
The theater had posted on social media just one day ago about movies currently showing or coming up.
“Operating the Heavenly Village Cinema has been one of the greatest joys of our lives,” said the Harrahs. “We are so thankful to the community, visitors, and loyal moviegoers who supported us throughout the years. The friendships, memories, and shared experiences will stay with us forever, and we are proud to have been part of the Heavenly Village family.”
At one time, there was a movie multiplex where the CVS at the Y is located, a theater adjacent to Raley’s at the Y, two drive-in theaters and another multiplex theater inside the Horizon Casino (now the Golden Nugget). Going back more years, there was a Quonset hut theater located about where the Heavenly Cinema is, as well as other theater locations.
The closest theaters showing current movies are the Galaxy Theaters in Carson City, the Carson Valley Cinemas 8 in Minden, the Incline Village Cinema and the Tahoe City Art Haus.