ShowPlace ICON Tysons closed operations at their Tysons, Virginia location on Monday, June 17. In a statement, the theater shared their “sincerest gratitude and appreciation” for their guest’s “unwavering support, loyalty and enthusiasm over the years.”
The dazzling 72,000-square-foot Showplace Icon Theatre burst onto the Tysons scene with 14 screens of cinematic magic. From plush seating to gourmet treats, this boutique cinema delivered an unforgettable movie experience. But unfortunately, the timing of the March 2020 grand opening wasn’t ideal. Shortly after opening, movie theaters worldwide faced closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, movie releases were postponed or delayed indefinitely. The global box office dropped by billions of dollars.
The Tysons, Virginia Movie Theater Market
In addition to a slow start due to the pandemic, the Tysons area has two other strong movie theaters. The venerable AMC Tysons Corner 16 has the distinction of being located in the largest mall in the Washington DC area. In fact, it is the 8th largest mall in the United States. Furthermore, AMC’s Tysons Corner 16 boasts one of the few IMAX screens in the region.
CMX CinéBistro Tysons Galleria opened in January 2023, offering a similar dinner and movie concept as ShowPlace ICON. CMX CinéBistro, like AMC, located in a busy shopping mall. All three theaters were almost walking distance from each other. Surely, a short drive between each depending on Tysons traffic.
LOOK Dine-In Cinemas Steps In
According to The Boro Tysons management, LOOK Dine-In Cinemas will take over the former ShowPlace ICON theater. LOOK describes themselves as “dine-in cinemas from the team who created it.” They boast “uninterrupted movies, great food and cocktails in an immersive environment.”
LOOK has locations in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, New York, Texas and Virginia. The company took-over another Northern Virginia theater in late 2023. LOOK Dine-In Cinemas opened in Reston’s Town Center on November 2, 2023. The grand opening featured a “ticket tearing” ceremony, marking the arrival of LOOK in the area. The space had previously been a Bow-Tie Cinema, but was vacant for a couple of years.
While LOOK renovated the old Bow-Tie in Reston, they likely won’t have to change as much in Tysons. The ShowPlace ICON already had luxury appointments in place such as recliners.
