Civic leaders, community advocates, and project partners gathered inside Jersey City’s landmark Loew’s Jersey Theatre on Monday for a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony and press conference, celebrating the historic venue’s multi-million-dollar revitalization ahead of its official grand re-opening weekend.
The event featured musical performances by the St. Peter’s Prep Boys Choir, Winard Harper & Jeli Posse, and the Conservatory of Fine Arts, signaling a new chapter for “The People’s Palace” nearly a century after its initial 1929 opening.
Grand opening lineup & venue capacity
The iconic venue kicks off its full-scale concert schedule this weekend with back-to-back marquee performances:
- Friday, Nov. 13: Trey Anastasio Band
- Saturday, Nov. 14: The War On Drugs
Originally constructed as one of the five original metropolitan “Wonder Theatres,” the restored facility pairs 1920s movie-palace architectural detail with modern stage production capabilities. As Jersey City’s largest entertainment venue, it accommodates approximately 2,600 seated guests or 4,000 standing.
| Venue Attribute | Details |
| Original Opening | 1929 (One of Five “Wonder Theatres”) |
| Location | Journal Square (Directly opposite Journal Square PATH Station) |
| Capacity | 2,600 (Seated) / 4,000 (Standing) |
| Public-Private Partners | Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA), NJEDA, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) |
| County Financial Investment | $1.78 Million (Hudson County Open Space Trust Fund) |
Public-private revitalization & community support
The comprehensive restoration represents a long-term collaboration between the Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA), the State of New Jersey (NJEDA), and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), alongside decades of advocacy by the Friends of Loew’s.
Jersey City Mayor James Solomon opened the ceremony by acknowledging the historical preservation effort. He was joined by Council President and JCRA Chairwoman Denise Ridley, Ward C Councilman Thomas Zuppa Jr., Hudson County Executive Craig Guy, NJEDA Chief Tax Credit & Incentives Officer Paul Ceppi, HEDC Director Annisia Cialone, and Hudson County Building Trade President Pat Kelleher.
“For nearly two decades, Hudson County has committed to bringing the historic Loew’s Theatre back to life, investing $1.78 million through our Open Space Trust Fund to support critical safety improvements, historic preservation, and the restoration of its iconic facade,” Hudson County Executive Craig Guy said. “Today, we are seeing the results of those investments and years of collaboration as this landmark once again becomes a vibrant part of Journal Square.”
Loew’s Jersey Theatre General Manager Bruce Wheeler noted that additional historic elements—including the restored front lobby chandelier, theatre pipe organ, and movie screens—will be reintroduced throughout 2027.
Upcoming Fall & Winter Highlights
Following this weekend’s headliners, the venue’s upcoming initial slate includes:
- Nov. 18: Jodeci
- Dec. 8: Derek Hough’s Dance For The Holidays
- Dec. 12: Chelsea Handler’s The High and Mighty Tour
- Dec. 19: Nimbus Dance presents Jersey Nutcracker
Located across from the Journal Square PATH station, tickets and schedule details are accessible via LoewsJersey.com and Ticketmaster.
