Kips Bay AMC Denies Intent to Leave, Blames NYU Langone for Forced Exit

The Kips Bay AMC has broken its silence regarding its impending closure, asserting that the cinema operator desires to stay at its Second Avenue location and is being compelled to leave by NYU Langone. This statement directly challenges assertions made by the healthcare institution that AMC had been seeking to end its lease for years.

"To be clear, we want to stay," Ryan Noonan, a spokesperson for AMC Theatres, said in a statement. "Under the terms of our current lease, the theatre is operating successfully, and we would like to continue serving moviegoers for years to come. We believe keeping this theatre open would be the best outcome for our guests and for the Kips Bay community."

Noonan added that the decision to close is not AMC's to make. "While the landlord has exercised its contractual right to terminate the lease, and we must prepare accordingly, the theatre remains open and operating as usual." AMC noted its gratitude for the support from elected officials and moviegoers, many of whom signed a petition to keep the theater open. Showtimes are scheduled to continue through January 3, 2027.

This is the first public statement from AMC addressing the situation, beyond an initial notice in the spring confirming the closure after the property owner exercised its right to terminate the lease before its scheduled expiration. The statement comes one day after NYU Langone claimed the property owners approached the university for the sale of the building, and that AMC had expressed interest in leaving prior to NYU Langone's involvement.

"Years before our involvement, AMC expressed interest in leaving," said Steve Ritea of NYU Langone Health. "They worked with the landlord to reach an agreement that substantially reduced AMC’s rent in exchange for a mutual right for either party to terminate at any time, reflecting the flexibility that both the landlord and AMC wanted going forward."

Representatives for the property landlord have not responded to inquiries. The Kips Bay community has expressed opposition to NYU Langone acquiring the site, pointing out that the university already has a significant presence in the area with 56 other locations and three hospitals.

Assemblymember Keith Powers criticized NYU Langone's absence from a recent Community Board meeting where the issue was to be discussed. "It is unfortunate for the main event to decide not to show up simply even just to answer questions or provide us a little more context. And I think in this particular example, we have seen a complete lack of community, engagement or dialogue, unwillingness to answer some basic questions from us," Powers stated. He also described NYU Langone's position as "wildly disingenuous" for its reliance on the landlord.

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal has pledged to block any rezoning applications from NYU Langone if they do not include provisions for a cinema. Elected officials are actively advocating for both the AMC and the neighborhood's Fairway Supermarket to remain at the site.