The Aero Theatre is an old historical single-screen movie theatre in Santa Monica, California, at 1328 Montana Avenue. The theatre was constructed in 1939 by the Douglas Aircraft Company in its Streamline Moderne French Normandy-style exterior with neon marquee, to screen movies 24/7 for their factory workers, but shut down in the 2000s. The theatre was renovated in 2005 by the nonprofit organisation American Cinematheque as a centre of classic, foreign, and art films. It is the best place for film enthusiasts to go to and enjoy advance screenings, retrospectives and question-and-answer sessions with filmmakers or attend yearly events such as the All-Night Horrorthon. The theatre also has a state-of-the-art projection system and the best sound system. The seating is not assigned, and the patrons of the American Cinematheque are allowed precedence when entering. The trip to the Aero is a nostalgic and collective film experience that is cherished by cinephiles.
What Can You See & Do at the Aero Theatre?
Here are the five best things to see and do at the Aero Theatre, Santa Monica:
- Watch Classic & Cult Films: The Aero Theatre is renowned because of its regular screenings of classic films, cult films, and independent films. The tourists have an opportunity to watch movies about the golden age of Hollywood, foreign films and those movies that are not so widely shown. The small format and great projection of the theatre bring a film-like experience to the theatre that is intimate and engulfing.
- Attend Special Events & Film Retrospectives: The theatre periodically holds themed shows and retrospectives highlighting the work of high-profile directors, star actors or key movements in cinema. The programs allow a more in-depth contextualization of the films, with various types of discussion or additional content that enrich the experience of watching the films.
- Q&A Sessions with Filmmakers & Cast: A great number of shows have questions and answers, which provide the viewers with an opportunity to communicate with directors, actors, or producers personally. The sessions are an interesting learning experience about the filmmaking process, the choice of creativity, and the behind-the-scenes. Every visit is considered an educational experience, besides being entertaining.
- Participate in Film Festivals: The Aero theatre has regularly participated in local and international film festivals with premieres, independent features and award-winning shorts. Panels, workshops and networking. It enables visitors to connect with the rest of the film community and find up-and-coming talent.
- Enjoy a Vintage Theatre Experience: The Aero Theatre is an old architectural structure that was constructed in the 1940s and still maintains its historic design of Art Deco design, which includes classic marquee signage and plush seating. The old-fashioned atmosphere gives the viewer a nostalgic movie experience that assures the beauty of old Hollywood with the present sound and projection technology, making it a rare and unforgettable experience.
What are the ticket prices and booking information?
Admission fee to the Aero Theatre, Santa Monica, is $10 to watch a movie in the standard seating setup. The movie tickets are sold both on the American Cinematheque website and at the theatre box office. The seating is not reserved, and it is advisable to come early enough to secure the best seats.
What are the Best Times to Visit the Aero Theatre?
The most appropriate time to visit the Aero Theatre is the evening of working days or the Saturday matinees, when topical screenings, special events and retrospectives are regularly organised. The weekday visit is less busy, whereas the weekend visit is full of active crowds. There is special programming which includes the question and answer session with the filmmakers or the film screening during the festival. Evening screenings also suit best catching old classics or cult movies, and when guests visit with a themed event or retrospective, they get to indulge in a well-based cinematic experience.
How to Get to the Aero Theatre?
Here are the five best ways to go to the Aero Theatre, Santa Monica:
- By Car: It is easy to drive to the Aero Theatre, as there are many parking lots and parking places on the street. The theatre is easily accessible to visitors through the main roads of Santa Monica, which makes it reachable from other areas of the city.
- By Public Bus: The Aero Theatre is also served by a number of routes of the Big Blue Bus, which is a friendly alternative. The theatre is served by routes 1, 2 and Rapid 10 to other destinations in Santa Monica and Los Angeles.
- By Limo Service: To have a more cosy or company-like approach, visitors go to the theatre entrance by Limousine service Los Angeles, which is convenient and does not require any issues with parking.
- By Bike/Scooter: Santa Monica is friendly to bikes and scooters and has specific lanes and rental shops. The visitors follow the city or bike paths and leave their vehicles in the bike racks around the areas where they watch movies.
- By Walking: The Aero Theatre is within walking distance in case you are staying around. It is easy to walk around the Santa Monica area because of its pedestrian-friendly location, which enables the visitor to make a brief stroll and then watch a movie.
Where to Eat & Drink Near the Aero Theatre?
Here are the five best eating and drinking places near the Aero Theatre, Santa Monica:
- Italian Trattorias & Pizza Spots: The Aero Theatre have true Italian foods at nearby trattorias and pizza shops along Montana Avenue and its environs. These are wood-fired-pizza restaurants, fresh pasta restaurants and traditional Italian restaurants offering their services in a very relaxed setting.
- Cafés & Dessert Spots on Montana Ave: Montana Avenue has quaint cafes and dessert shops where visitors enjoy speciality coffee, pastries, gelato, and sweeteners. These are the ideal spots to have a casual rest before or after one has gone to see a screening.
- Healthy & Organic Restaurants: Various fast foods, organic, vegetarian and healthy food items such as salads, grain bowls, smoothies and fresh juices are cell near the Aero Theatre, Santa Monica. These restaurants serve tourists with healthy and tasty food.
- Casual American Eateries: There are also relaxed American restaurants that have burgers, sandwiches, salads, and comfort food. These establishments have a casual environment for families, groups, and individuals.
- Wine Bars & Lounges: In need of a less formal night out, local wine bars and lounges have a choice of wines, craft cocktails, and small dishes. They offer an elegant and relaxed environment to relax after going to the movie theatre.
Is the Aero Theatre Worth Visiting?
Yes, the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica is a worth-seeing place for film lovers and people who are lovers of classic or independent cinema. The theatre has a special experience through the screening of classic movies, cult hits, as well as the collection of retrospectives, which includes questions and answers with the filmmakers and special events. It is designed in the style of the 1940s, which gives the movie-going experience a vintage and intimate style. Their mix of cultural programming and old charm, in addition to community events, makes it a destination to remember, even in case you are not a cinephile.
