About the Academy Theater

Originally launched in 1948

Originally launched in 1948, the Academy Theater was a popular Montavilla destination until its closure in the 1970s. Over the following years, it fell into disrepair, but a full-scale renovation was completed in 2006, including careful restoration of the glittering rounded lobby with its soaring, metallic two-story dome. Great attention was paid to every detail of the project. Using vintage photos from the original opening night, even the theater’s signature marquee has been recreated to imbue the building with authentic 1940s charm.

Says interior designer Stephanie Brown of Local Color: “We very much wanted to honor the history and unique style of this building by creating a 1940s feel, but we also wanted the color palette to appeal to modern tastes. Ultimately, we decided to create an interior reminiscent of a vintage Technicolor movie – the colors are just a little brighter, a little sharper and a little more shimmery than the authentic 1940s palette was – reminiscent of films like ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘The Red Shoes.’ Our hope is that when people enter the lobby, they won’t just feel like they have stepped back in time, they will feel like they’ve actually stepped back into a gloriously colorful 1940s movie.”

The new and improved Academy Theater features three theaters with Dolby sound, as well as reclining stadium seating with generous leg room. Also available is a plentiful selection of tasty offerings from Flying Pie Pizzeria, Bipartisan Cafe and Miyamoto Sushi, as well as a wide selection of beer and wine.