Olympia Theater Transforms Into Arts Academy Next Year

Miami Dade College is partnering with Sports Leadership Arts Management to launch a new educational initiative at the historic Olympia Theater, transforming the nearly century-old venue into a hub for arts and technology education starting next school year.

The Miami Innovation & Arts Academy will offer dual-enrollment opportunities and academic pathways in arts, digital media, design and technology. Students will benefit from collaboration with New World School of the Arts, creating an integrated approach to creative education in downtown Miami.

Sports Leadership Arts Management acquired the Olympia Theater at 174 E Flagler St. and its 10-story overhead office building from the City of Miami in September 2025. The organization will lead a comprehensive $50 million restoration project expected to be completed within five years.

The partnership comes after the city struggled to find developers willing to take on the property. Miami requested proposals from developers in June 2022 to restore and manage the theater but received no responses. That same year, Miami Dade College issued its own request for proposals to establish an innovation-focused school in downtown Miami, eventually leading to the current collaboration.

Dr. Maryam Laguna Borrego, senior vice president and chief operating officer at Miami Dade College, emphasized the opportunity to connect education with career pathways while supporting downtown revitalization. The initiative aims to activate the theater for Miami Dade College's signature cultural programming, including the Miami Film Festival and Miami Book Fair.

Sports Leadership Arts Management will handle the renovation, management and operation of the theater while Miami Dade College provides higher education expertise. The arrangement preserves the Olympia Theater's role as a cultural destination for both residents and visitors, ensuring the landmark continues serving the community beyond its educational mission.

The project represents a significant investment in downtown Miami's cultural infrastructure. By combining historic preservation with contemporary education, the partnership addresses multiple community needs simultaneously: providing students with specialized training, protecting an architectural landmark, and contributing to the area's ongoing revitalization.

The Olympia Theater has stood as one of Miami's most iconic cultural venues for nearly a century. Its transformation into an educational facility marks a new chapter for the building while maintaining its connection to the arts and community engagement that have defined its history.