A unanimous vote brings a 100-year-old cultural icon Tower Theater back to the institution that helped define it
For generations of Miami residents, the glow of the Tower Theater marquee on Calle Ocho has meant one thing: culture was alive and well in Little Havana. After years of uncertainty and controversy, that familiar feeling is set to return. This week, the City of Miami agreed to hand management of the historic Tower Theater back to Miami Dade College, signaling a major shift for Miami events, local arts, and one of the city’s most beloved cultural landmarks.
A new direction under new leadership
In her first meeting as mayor, Eileen Higgins wasted no time making an impact. Through a mayor-sponsored item—also backed by District 3 Commissioner Rolando Escalona—the Miami City Commission voted unanimously to return the Tower Theater to Miami Dade College. The decision reverses the city’s 2022 takeover of the theater and reflects a broader change in cultural priorities under new leadership.
Artists and filmmakers welcomed the move. Local filmmaker Robert Colom described the decision as a “new direction,” especially meaningful at a time when arts funding has been under pressure at both the state and federal levels. For many in the creative community, the Tower Theater’s absence left a noticeable void.
Why the Tower Theater matters to Calle Ocho
Located in the heart of Little Havana, Tower Theater turns 100 years old this year. For decades, it served as a home for the Miami Film Festival and was one of the few places in the city where Spanish-language films were consistently shown. When Miami Dade College lost the lease in 2022, protests followed, and the theater’s role as a cultural anchor faded. Under city management, the venue sat closed most days, hurting foot traffic and nearby businesses along Calle Ocho.
Miami Dade College leaders say they’re ready to restore that connection. The proposed long-term lease—expected to span at least 20 years—aims to bring the theater back as an active, inclusive space for artists, students, and residents. During its previous stewardship, the college welcomed more than 1.2 million visitors and invested heavily in preservation and programming.
For Little Havana and the wider Miami community, the Tower Theater’s return represents more than a lease—it’s a recommitment to culture, history, and neighborhood vitality. To stay updated on this story and other developments shaping Miami, subscribe to the Calle Ocho News newsletter. Local businesses or agencies interested in reaching our engaged community can contact Pressnet Corp. for advertising opportunities.
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