The Coolidge Corner Theatre is asking Brookline neighbors to help restore its flagship auditorium, with an anonymous donor matching every gift dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 through Wednesday, Sept. 16.

The nonprofit cinema announced the matching campaign on X on Aug. 12, directing donors to its Moviehouse 1 restoration page at coolidge.org/mh1. The theatre said a "generous donor" pledged the match but did not identify the benefactor.

While a seat replacement project in Moviehouse 1 has drawn attention, the theatre said other restoration needs remain. The auditorium's red velvet curtain has been broken for several years, according to a post on Monday, Aug. 31. The theatre is also pursuing Art Deco element restoration; a new 4K digital projector funded by the same state grant has already been installed.

The work has state backing. The Massachusetts Cultural Council awarded the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation a $154,000 capital grant in 2025 for new seating, historic Art Deco restoration, curtain repairs and a new projector in Moviehouse 1. It was the latest in a series of state cultural grants to the theatre dating to 2007.

New seats are expected in September. The theatre said on Aug. 21 that the seats would be unveiled the following month. In November 2025, the theatre described the new seating as keeping the Art Deco feel while adding wider seats and accessible bays after two decades of wear on the originals. Donors who name a seat will have their plaque installed alongside the new seating. Plaques can carry a name, a favorite movie quote or a date, and are available at coolidge.org/seats.

Restoration work already visible includes the auditorium's sconces, which the theatre said were restored in July 2025.

Moviehouse 1 has hosted audiences since 1933. The theatre is also collecting memories, photos and videos from patrons through a form on its restoration campaign page.

Upcoming: Donations made by Wednesday, Sept. 16 at coolidge.org/mh1 will be doubled through the match.