The City of Miami should NOT give away the Olympia theater. The City will be voting at the Commission Meeting on Thursday, July 24, 2025, to give the Olympia Theater to a Charter School and its For-Profit Charter School Management Company for $10.  Yes, ten dollars.  They are giving away Miami's cultural heart and soul for $10, to a charter school with no experience running a theater or bringing world class performances to Miami. For generations, Miamians have cherished the Olympia Theater in Miami, also known as the Gusman Theater. This venue is not just a building; it's a vibrant piece of Miami's cultural history and a landmark that has provided countless memories for families like mine. Furthermore, the residents of Miami already voted in 2017 to allocate $20 million through the Miami Forever Bond to the preservation of this iconic theater. What happened??

The Olympia Theater has stood the test of time as a beacon of the arts and community in the heart of our city. Its history dates back to 1926, making it not only a unique architectural masterpiece with stunning Moorish designs but also one of the oldest theaters in the area. Recognized for its cultural significance, the Olympia Theater has added immeasurable value to our community, hosting stars such as Elvis Presley and Luciano Pavarotti, Nina Simone and David Byrne.

Now, despite its importance to the cultural landscape of our hometown, the City of Miami is trying to give away this iconic theater for just $10. Giving away our Olympia Theater not only risks destroying a vital piece of our shared history but also threatens to replace a nurturing ground for arts and culture with private commercial interests, disregarding its irreplaceable contribution to Miami's diverse cultural tapestry, and denying future generations the opportunity to see theater, dance or films in its beautiful building.

We urge the City of Miami to reconsider this backroom giveaway, orchestrated without transparency or public input. Instead, the city should focus on preserving and revitalizing the Olympia Theater, ensuring it continues to serve as a cultural hub that celebrates and nurtures the arts, history, and community spirit.

Join the fight to keep the Olympia Theater standing. Let's ensure all Miamians, past, present, and future have the opportunity to enjoy the arts and history in the same iconic venue. Sign this petition and help us preserve the heart of Miami's heritage for future generations.