Atlanta’s Plaza Theatre ‘safely reopening’ for indoor showings

The Plaza's new marquee announced it is reopening to show "Tenet."

Credit: Plaza Theatre via Facebook

Credit: Plaza Theatre via Facebook

The Plaza's new marquee announced it is reopening to show "Tenet."

Atlanta’s famed Plaza Theatre, the oldest continuously operating cinema in the city, resumed indoor movie showings over the weekend for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began.

The Plaza, which advertised on its marquee that it is “safely reopening,” began showing the new Christopher Nolan spy film “Tenet” on Thursday, it announced on its Facebook page.

Starting Thursday!!! We're happy to announce we're RE-OPENING OUR MAIN THEATRE with TENET IN 70MM!! We're taking all...

Posted by Plaza Atlanta on Monday, August 31, 2020

The popular movie theater plans to take “all precautions" to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including sanitizing the theater after every screening and offering reserved, spaced-out seating.

It is only selling 50 tickets per screening, and launched a service where movie-goers can have concessions delivered to their seat. The Plaza posted a picture of a spaced-out showing on Facebook.

Proper distancing. Reserved pod seating. Limited capacity. #safercinema

Posted by Plaza Atlanta on Monday, September 7, 2020

The Atlanta landmark on Ponce de Leon Avenue is showing “Tenet” in 70 mm, a film format that usually projects a wider, sharper image. Tickets can only be purchased online; this week, the Plaza plans to do two showings a day. The theater is still playing movies at its pop-up drive-in theater. When the pandemic first forced theaters to close, the Plaza rolled out several online offerings, including a virtual tour.

Other movie theater chains with locations in metro Atlanta, including AMC and Regal Cinemas, have also recently reopened for indoor showings.