Tim League, co-founder of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, is expanding movie theater offerings in Austin with a new Metro Private Cinema location. League will open the private theatre in the historic Baker School in Hyde Park.
Metro Private Cinema is slated to open its doors to movie lovers in spring 2027, Tim League said.
“What we're trying to offer at Metro is a very special experience,” Tim League said. “To me, the most special part of it is the communing with friends in your own private space, which feels very different than going to a traditional movie theater.”
The backstory
Tim and his wife Karrie League co-founded Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in 1997. Tim League stepped away from his position as CEO in 2020 to develop a new movie watching experience. He launched the first Metro Private Cinema location in New York last October, creating a hub for private dining and screenings.
Tim and Karrie League also own the Baker School and have transformed it into a space for creators, community members and local businesses. The space is home to spots like Terrible Love Coffee and Save the Good Stuff.
How it works
Metro Private Cinema offers a more intimate approach to going to the movies. Viewers can choose from new releases, independent films or classics from the brand’s movie library. The theaters can hold between 4-20 people for approximately 3.5 hours.
The experience kicks off with a multi-course family-style meal before the movie begins. As dessert is served, guests can sit in the traditional movie theater recliners and enjoy the film, Tim League explained. Once the movie is over, people can stay and mingle for the remainder of the reservation.
In addition to watching movies, patrons can also watch sports, a TV series or host a private meeting.
Learn more
The Austin location will feature 11 individual rooms, whereas the New York location has 20, Tim League said. The prices will also be a little less expensive, he explained, and are expected to be comparable to other Austin dining establishments.
The Metro Private Cinema team is still developing the menu, which is set to rotate seasonally. The theater will also offer themed dinners for certain movies.
Stay tuned
Tim League has already built one test theater at the Baker School and will invite people to be early testers likely starting in November, he said. He encourages locals to follow Metro Private Cinema on Instagram to learn more about gaining early access to the space.
