Our History

The Embassy has long been a cherished part of Waltham’s cultural landscape. Originally opened in 1928 on Moody Street as “Waltham’s Wonder Theatre,” the first Embassy Theatre was a stunning Spanish Colonial-style venue with over 2,000 seats. For decades, it offered films and live performances that brought the community together. Though the original building was demolished in the 1970s, its legacy endured.

In 1998, The Embassy returned to downtown Waltham as a six-screen cinema operated by Landmark Theatres, offering a mix of mainstream, independent, and foreign films. This iteration remained a beloved local favorite until it closed in 2022.

In 2023, the space was revived by Smaranda Maria Albeck, founder of Boston Rhythmic, and transformed into the Embassy Performing Arts Center. With two active cinema screens and four vibrant studios for dance, movement, and the arts, the reimagined Embassy continues to celebrate creativity and community.

Today, we host film screenings, performances, and special events—continuing the tradition of gathering people through shared stories and the arts.