Capitol Hills Egyptian closed for foreseeable future after burst pipe damages building home to 108-year-old theater UPDATE

The Egyptian Theatre, a cornerstone of Capitol Hill's arts scene, is closed for the foreseeable future following a substantial water pipe burst that caused extensive damage to the historic building. The Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF), which has managed the theater since 2014, indicated that the closure could extend for several months as they assess the damage and initiate repairs. This situation has led to the rescheduling or cancellation of multiple screenings, including a planned showing of Caligula. The unfortunate timing coincided with Election Night, where technical difficulties at the theater resulted in the cancellation of a local ballot watch party, further emphasizing the impact of the incident on community events. SIFF's long-term commitment to the Egyptian Theatre is now clouded by uncertainty, as the organization navigates its lease with Seattle Central College.

To support staff affected by the closure, a community benefit event is scheduled, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the local arts community. This incident underscores the challenges faced by art house cinemas in Seattle, as many have already closed or repurposed their spaces in recent years. As the situation unfolds, the future of Capitol Hill's vibrant film scene remains at stake.