Avon Cinema

I do see decent movies at the mall megaplex on occasion, but for consistently good, entertaining, and significant films, I go to the Avon. Sometimes a hipster/cool film like the too too precious FRENCH DISPATCH plays too long at the Avon, but, hey, we all have to make a living, right? This year alone I've had my world rocked by DRIVE MY CAR, GREAT FREEDOM, the OSCAR NOMINATED LIVE ACTION SHORTS, and now EMPIRE OF LIGHT. All the "important" reviewers rushed to judgment on EMPIRE and got it wrong. EMPIRE is gorgeous to look at Roger Deakins shot it, and it's the type of film you find yourself thinking about days later. I'm going back again today. YES. PARKING IS TOUGH. SO TAKE THE BUS. The 32, 33, 34, 40 and, most importantly, the #1, will all drop you off by Starbucks and Ben & Jerry's. Then you walk 2 blocks to the Avon, passing numerous eateries, including my favorite, Antonio's pizza. Check the bus schedules at "RIPTA 1," "Ripta 33," etc. One ride is $2, so it's $4 to leave your car at home. Download the WAVE app and your ticket is on your phone. That way you can ride into Kennedy Plaza from home, and if that ride is less than an hour, your trip through the tunnel to College Hill is free I'm pretty sure. More on the bus. If you live nowhere near a bus route, consider parking at the Providence Place Mall. In front of the Designer Shoe Warehouse, catch the 56 or the 57 to Kennedy Plaza. Again, download the WAVE app to your phone, and I believe that once you get on the bus, you have 1 hour to transfer buses for the same $2 fee. At Kennedy Plaza, catch the 32, 33, 34, 40, or the #1. Pull the cord as you travel uphill through the tunnel. As soon as you exit the tunnel, get off the bus by Starbucks. Do not walk in front of the bus. When it pulls away, cross the street that corner is where you catch your ride back to Kennedy Plaza. Continue up the slight hill to the Avon. There's Greek and Indian restaurants, Antonio's Pizza, and many other places to eat or support your independent movie house by buying popcorn and candy. Besides Starbucks, there's a Blue State coffee shop a few blocks past the Avon. I think there's a nightclub or two as well. Use the bus, folks. Gas won't be cheap forever. The East Side is vibrant and the Avon rivals any art house theater you'll find in New York City . Yes, you'll occasionally see a French movie where a woman mates with a Cadillac and gives birth to a baby with a metal spine, but that's the French for you - not the Avon's fault Ha ha. I like French movies, and the television series THE [Deuxieme] BUREAU with Mathieu Kassovitz is mind-bogglingly good .

A beautiful historically preserved theater on the East Side of Providence. Very old school, comfortable with a great laid back staff. Usually well curated programming and humorous 1950s pre- show clips to add to the atmosphere. My mother saw the first run of "Gone With The Wind" here in the 40's. See a real, big screen movie here as they are meant to be seen. Don't forget the Milk Duds.

Always a great time at this historic theater. Great, eclectic films you can’t see anywhere else. Once you’ve seen all the current films that you want to watch at your local chain Theatre, and you’re wondering what to do now... head on over to The Avon to see something totally different. While you’re at it, take a stroll down Thayer and feed your face at one of the many eateries along the strip. Never had a bad time there yet.

everything a real movie theater should be. Independent films, foreign films, documentaries... all the great movies that are not mainstream.This is not the Marvel comics movie theater. This is where good movies are shown in a charming old-school atmosphere. Of course, the refreshments are real overpriced. But, the theater is great and it is on a fun area of town.

The AVON is an iconic PVD legend! My most absolute favorite place to see movies for about 40 years, it has been my movie mecca The English word mecca, meaning "a place to which many people are attracted" since I was in my teens. They show show critically acclaimed movies, independent films, art house films, documentaries etc. If you are looking for the films that win Academy Awards, this is the spot. Located on historical Thayer St., at the heart of Ivy league Brown and premiere art school RISD, which certainly helps with attendance. This gem of a theater has kept my spirits lifted throughout the COVID pandemic, by staying open during the most challenging of economic times, especially for movie theaters. I cannot thank the owners, the management and the staff enough for their commitment to servicing the publics need for the enjoyment of seeing a movie where it should be seen, a movie theater.

Wonderful afternoon at the movies! We saw the Sparks Brothers film here today - our first movie out since the pandemic and it was a perfect experience. Great, friendly employees at the theater, quality sound and projection, and real popcorn with real butter to boot! Beautiful old theater, and independently owned - such a rarity these days. Highly recommend!!!

Wonderful way to watch a film! Do not miss out on the experience.

The Avon cinema is a gem of the College Hill experience. A local movie theater that has stayed true to it's commitment to feature interesting, small, thought-provoking films as well as an occasional fun flick. We went to see Titane - a deeply disturbing body-horror movie which was as odd as it was #artsy but given that it won the Cannes it was good of the Avon to give it a shot. The staff are very friendly and will give you 2 dollar bills in change of you pay cash! They do also accept card, though, and have a nice selection of snacks - standard movies fare like popcorn and candy, but with excellent small-venue toppings options like nutritional yeast and fun spices if you're not in a butter mood and often homemade cookies and other treats. Their cane-sugar coke is also delectable. Never disappointed by a visit here and everything is so quaint and old-timey - from the lobby to the restrooms upstairs. Keep it up, Avon!

Amazing theater with a great historic background. Avon Cinema has been pleasing customers for decades and havent let me down, not once. With great movies and great prices I believe nobody should feel bad coming to this theater and I ensure you visit.

Nostalgic theater in the student district. Definitely an old time feel. While the parking is tough the area is fantastic for just strolling. The theater has fantastic staff, fair prices, and comfortable seating. Snacks like popcorn and Skittles are available. Worth checking out if you're in the area. Save room for dinner as there are plenty of places to eat within walking distance.