![]() ![]() The Washoe Theater may not have the newest technology or any fancy IMAX projectors like many newly built theaters, but it still remains popular with many people today thanks to its history and cheap ticket prices. The Theater Today Image: Jimmy Emerson, DVM Many people visit the theater for its history and unique interior design. With its lavish designs and rich interior, it hasn’t gone unnoticed, with the Smithsonian rating it as fifth in the nation for its architectural value. The Washoe Theater was built and finished in 1931 but didn’t end up actually opening until 1936, due to The Great Depression. The theater also has excellent acoustics, being one of the earliest theaters designed with a high-fidelity audio system. The theater also has plenty of space, being able to seat 1,000 visitors.Ī silk curtain also hangs by the screen, although it has never been taken down in a long time, due to fear that doing so would damage it greatly. Carved ram heads also decorate the walls, giving the theater a distinctly western feel.Įven within the theater itself are beautiful murals on the ceiling that guests can look up and see. ![]() Styled by Hollywood designer Nat Smythe, there are several eye-catching murals within the building lobby.įitting for Anaconda given its mining history, there is heavy use of copper in the building’s design. The outside though certainly not unmemorable is quickly overshadowed by the inside of the building. Priteca and was the last theater to be made in the Nouveau Deco style, a type of Art Deco that combined the style of Nouveau with it. Image: Larry Myhre The History of Washoe Theaterīuilt on the site of two closed theaters, the Margaret Theater and the Sundial Theater – the latter of which burned down in 1929, The Washoe Company constructed a new theater there with plans of having the inside be filled with memorable architecture. So even if there aren’t any movies you are dying to see, it still may be worth visiting the Washoe Theater just to view the architecture. Many moviegoers that they were just as entertained by the murals and decorations within the theater as they were by the film they saw. With interior designs done by Hollywood designer Nat Smythe, the theater is filled with gorgeous art and large chandeliers that hang from the ceiling. Guests can still enjoy films in the theater today, and at an affordable price too.Īlthough it is certainly a great place to see a new movie without breaking the bank, many visitors note that just experiencing the theater itself is worth it. The theater has a rich history having been open for 85 years. ![]() ![]() Plus, it has a state of the art projection system allowing it to show the most up-to-date movies.Located in Anaconda, Montana, the Washoe Theater is a historic gem offering memorizing Art Deco architecture and old school auditoriums with hanging curtains by the screen. She herself has played a hands on part in the preservation of the Washoe. She gave us a personal tour and history of the theatre. We'd like to give a bit shoutout to a very nice staff member named Dianne. The love that has gone into restoring and maintaining it is evident everywhere. The Washoe is one of the theatres that set the standard for the theatres of my youth. Plexiglass windows outside the theatre displayed movie placards with scenes from the movie. The movie title on the marquee was bordered with incandescent bulbs. The overhead marque announced the theatre name with neon lettering. The ticket booth was outside under the marquee. Ushers with flashlights helped you find a seat in the dark. Seats were velvet covered (or sometime leather). It was a time when movie theatres were ornately decorated auditoriums with billowy red curtains that pulled aside to reveal the main screen. During our summer road trip my wife and I made a special side trip to Anaconda just to experience this theatre.įor me, it was an opportunity to step back in time to the movie theatres of my youth. ![]()
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