On July 20th 2012, the Century 16 movie theater in Aurora Colorado became the site of one of the most devastating mass shootings in US history. At that time, the theater was hosting a screening of The Dark Knight Rises, a Batman movie. Within minutes, 12 people were dead and 70 were injured as James Holmes opened fire on the unsuspecting crowd.
The tragedy that unfolded that night left many questions unanswered, not least of which is: What happened to the movie theater after the shooting?
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, local authorities closed off access to the theater and began their investigation into what had happened. The theater remained closed for nearly four months as investigators combed through every inch of it for evidence.
Once investigators had finished their work, it was up to local businesses to decide what to do with the site. Initially, there were plans to demolish it completely and build something new on its premises. However, this plan never materialized due to pushback from residents who wanted to preserve some memory of those who had lost their lives in that tragic event.
Eventually, it was decided that rather than demolish it, the Century 16 would be renovated and reopened as a memorial for those who had been killed or injured in the shooting. The top floor of the building was converted into an art gallery dedicated to victims and survivors of gun violence across Colorado and beyond. Meanwhile, on the ground floor, a memorial service was held with family members of those who had died in attendance.
The theater has since been renamed “Cinemark Aurora Century” and remains open today serving as both a memorial for those affected by gun violence and a reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike. It is also used for special screenings such as “The Dark Knight Rises” which took place shortly after its reopening in 2016-a fitting tribute to those affected by that fateful night seven years ago.
Today, Aurora Colorado is still reeling from what took place at its Century 16 movie theater back in 2012 but thanks to its renovation and reopening as Cinemark Aurora Century it serves as both a reminder of how fragile life can be and how important it is for us all to come together in times like these.
In conclusion, what happened to the movie theater in Aurora Colorado after one of its darkest days has been an incredible story filled with resilience and hope. Initially slated for demolition due to public outcry; instead it has been renovated into Cinemark Aurora Century – a memorial dedicated to victims and survivors of gun violence across Colorado while also providing an uplifting reminder that good can come out even out of tragedy if we come together with empathy and understanding.