I had an AMAZING time and recommend this workshop/conference to all film lovers! The tour is A MUST!
On most Thursdays and weekends this theater shows anything from silent classic films (often accompanied by shorts) to more modern films such as "the Godfather" or the Bond series. Most movies are preceded by a short talk by one of the curators. Also, its one of the rare places where you can see a silent film with live musical accompaniment, which is really fun to experience (and the accompanist has always been very good). A bargain at twice the price (it's free--you just need to call for reservations). It's also a very comfortable theater, built to look like a classic movie house of the '30s. No snack bar, by the way (it's a library, so I guess that's why), so don't go hungry.
Hidden on the hillside is a wonderful "FREE" night out for couples, families, and children. Free movies for any age. The best place to find a date and time is on their website http://www.loc.gov/avconservation/theater/ .... The inside of the theater is fantastic. And, make sure you go to one of the nights when silent movies are shown as the pipe organ comes out of the floor and is played with the movies adding that extra special touch. EXCELLENT - A MUST GO!!!
I can't think of another theater offering FREE classic films from every decade up on the BIG screen 150 times a year in a like new Art Deco cinema. Since Sept. 2008 when Maltese Falcon played Disney, Bogart, romantic comedies, mysteries, Sci-Fi titles, shorts cartoons, newsreels, Three Stooges & Bugs Bunny have provided entertainment. And special guests, documentaries, foreign films and slide show programs educate, enlighten and culturally enhance the lives of those who attend. And did I mention it's FUN as well as FREE? Check their schedule on the web, just Google Packard Campus Theater or Library Of Congress Mt. Pony Theatre and you'll see the current upcoming lineup. We became regulars on opening day and have attended hundreds of great films and made friends with many film buffs.
This facility is just a wonderful addition to Culpeper. The theatre is fantastic, something for everyone over the course of a few months. Silent film buffs will especially enjoy those evenings when silent films are highlighted, along with the live music that accompanies the films. But there is something for everyone - just look at their schedule. We go often.
everyone should take advantage of this FREE attraction... the small theatre (highly recommend you make reservations well in advance) is perfect for viewing these historic films that have been preserved and restored for our future generations
make sure you visit the website and check the free movies... make a point to see the silent movies with the guest accompianist on the organ... a jewel in the crown of culpeper
We attended a film workshop for 3 days. The optional tour was fascinating, and we were very impressed with the work that is being done there. The building and the site are magnificent. This was our second visit, and we found it just as marvelous this time, The hillside is planted naturally with beautiful native trees, shrubs and flowers. The building itself is Leed Certified, with much of the facility being underground. Unless you know the building is there, you could almost miss it, as part of the design is for the plants to "hide" much of the building.All of the staff, including the security staff, were warm and welcoming. Visitors should know that bags are searched.
Attending a movie at the Library is a great! It is very entertaining and educational. The staff does a wonderful job of making you feel welcome and creating a good experience. And it is FREE!
If you can go watch a movies there do it. This building is built into the side of a mountain and something to see if you can get invited.