Considering a film for tonight? The AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center could be the perfect place. It’s more than just a movie theater. It is a cultural hub.
AFI Silver stands proudly in downtown Silver Spring. It is just north of Washington D.C. The American Film Institute runs this three-screen complex. It offers a diverse cinematic experience.
The building has a rich history. The original Silver Theatre was built in 1938. John Eberson designed it. This movie palace had 1100 seats. Sadly, it closed in 1985. The building remained empty for many years. Restoration finally began in 2001.
Before it was the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, the Silver Theatre faced demolition. In 1984, the owners began tearing down parts of the facade. Silver Spring residents pleaded for them to stop. A “stop work” order saved the theater. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
Richard Striner led a 19-year campaign to save the theater. In 1998, Montgomery County negotiated with the American Film Institute to reopen it. The renovations cost twenty million dollars.
Today, the AFI Silver shows many movies each year. You can see first-run features and classic films. They also show obscure archival prints and global cinema rarities. You might even catch a locally made film.
The main auditorium boasts a huge screen. It is the third-largest in the DC Metro area. Only the Smithsonian has a bigger one.
From 2003 to 2022, the theater hosted Silverdocs. It was later known as AFI Docs. This was an annual documentary festival.
The architecture is also noteworthy. Eberson designed the original theater with a nautical theme. He wanted moviegoers to feel like they were entering a cruise ship. Look for the mast-like vertical sign. Notice the imitation portholes. From above, the building resembles a ship.
The renovated theater has 40 colors. These include blues, yellows, reds, and deep browns. The colors are typical of 1930s Art Moderne. You can spot peacocks and shells on the wall decor. The original carpet was replicated.
In addition to the historic theater, there are two stadium theaters. The AFI Silver provides state-of-the-art technology in all three theaters. These have seating for 400, 200, and 75 people. They also have a world-class conference room. The facility offers film formats from 16 to 70mm. High-definition digital cinema video projection is available.
The AFI Silver reopened in 2003. Clint Eastwood received the AFI Silver Legacy Award at the gala. It was a fitting tribute to the theater’s rebirth. Now you know the story behind this special place. Enjoy the show at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center.