Bijou by the Bay, Traverse City

The Bijou by the Bay holds a special place in the heart of Traverse City, as the city's first new movie theater to open within its limits in over six decades. Nestled within the historic Con Foster Museum building, originally constructed by President Roosevelt's Civil Works Administration in the 1930s, this cinema represents a blend of cinematic history and modern innovation. Renovated into a fully accessible, state-of-the-art movie theater in 2013, the Bijou was brought to life by the same visionary team led by Traverse City Film Festival president and founder, Michael Moore, who revitalized the iconic State Theatre in 2007.

The Bijou's location in the former Con Foster Museum building holds particular significance, as it pays homage to Conrad Foster, a key figure in Traverse City's cinematic heritage. Foster, who managed the State Theatre in its earlier incarnation as the Lyric Theatre, began his illustrious career as an usher at Boston's Bijou Theatre. His legacy as a dedicated civic leader and advocate for the arts is honored through the transformation of the museum named in his honor into a vibrant cinema.

Since its grand opening on July 29, 2013, just before the 9th Annual Traverse City Film Festival, The Bijou by the Bay has captivated audiences with its charm and cinematic offerings. The name "Bijou," meaning "little gem" in French, evokes the nostalgia of classic movie theaters from the 1930s and 40s, reflecting the era in which the museum was originally constructed. Adorned with murals by acclaimed local artists Rufus Snoddy and Glen Wolff, the theater's walls depict scenic views of Lake Michigan, where it resides, creating an immersive and visually captivating atmosphere. Audience members can delight in discovering hidden Easter eggs within the murals, which pay homage to classic films and Michigan's rich cultural heritage.