The Byrd Theatre

Address:	2908 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221, USA
Phone:	+1 804-353-9911
Site:	byrdtheatre.com
Rating:	4.7

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

A Private User

The Byrd is as much a part of Richmond as the Carillon or the James River, it would be hard to picture the city without it. Anchoring the east end of Carytown, the Byrd offers quality movies for 2 dollars, twice a night, every day of the year. Its only break from this reliable schedule is when it hosts wonderfully unique and eclectic events, ranging from the French Film Festal to private local films. At no other venue in Richmond can you go to see a Hollywood blockbuster one night, then turn around the next day and watch a film produced by your friends in a local college film school. What makes the Byrd so wonderful is its commitment to both new art and time-honored traditions. The smiling service, the organ on Saturday nights, and even the introductory "litter warning" clip at the beginning of every movie puts you at ease and makes you feel like youre taking part in something secretly much more special than a simple movie. Its little wonder locals call it "Richmond’s Movie Palace".

Victoria Sharpe

Ive been going to the Byrd Theatre for years. Its a wonderful Richmond spot you just have to go to at least once! They play second run movies so if you missed that blockbuster hit you get another opportunity to see it there. And the architecture both inside and out is absolutely stunning! In addition, since around mid 2016, the Byrd has been increasing their different themed screenings such as: family movies on Saturday mornings, famous classic films on Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons, and midnight screenings once a month! They also host a variety of different local and international film festivals and special screenings throughout the year. Theres always a variety of things going on at the Byrd and both the GM and its staff work hard to bring you the best experience! Check it out sometime soon!

Mike Porch

I am seeing way too many 4-5 star reviews for a place that doubled its ticket price and has seats that are literally covered in black plastic bag because they are unusable. The theater HAS the potential of being grand once again but unfortunately it has been living on potential for way to long its time to actually do something with that potential. I moved away from Richmond and came back after 2.5 years and the Byrd has gotten worse since I left not better. Now Im just talking about it from a seeing a movie experience. Behind the scenes might be much improved but since I dont see behind the scenes (Ive volunteered to help multiple times) I have to judge on what my actual experience was, sorry. I would love to have to come back and edit or delete this review. Please, please make me eat my words!

Church Hill

This theater has and still is one of the best places to go in the state. To the complainer Alan Brymer...now that you know you need cash to go the this theater why not stop bashing the place and bring cash. Teach your kids its ok to do things differently sometimes and that life isnt all about just your little uncomfortable inconveniences. Thank goodness the woman clerk that you claimed just looked at you had the ability to deal with the harassment you gave her. I always make a habit(especially when taking the family places) to carry some cash, because things do happen to what you call the 2015 era...atms do malfunction, machines malfunction and then sometimes just sometimes we just have to pay cash in this day in time. Thank you Bird Theatre for being there for (ALL) of us. A. White

Greg F

I love it and go all the time. What I hate most though are the seats. I know is its an old and restored place running on donations but the seats are horrible and falling apart. I saw a couple years ago that someone offered to donate all new seating to them which they turned down. Im not sure of the reason but I really wish they took it. If they wont get new seating, it would be great if they could maybe take out 3 or so rows of seats and spread the rest out for more leg room. Being 62" tall, its horribly uncomfortable sitting in there. Also in the 15 or so years Ive been going there for movies, not once have I ever seen the upstairs open. Ive always wanted to go up there but its never open, no matter how packed it is downstairs

Cameron Christopher Blount

Watching any film in the Byrd is like stepping into a time machine, from the vintage marquee to the decor within the theatre, a seat taken within the doors is a seat taken on a journey. Due to the overwhelming environment caused by the antique theatre, any cinematic experience feels more immersive, due to the incredibly surreal effect of being in a building that has stood the test of time. Without a doubt, this establishment could survive for years as a museum, due to its amazing appeal as a historical building. The fact that there are films shown, and for an extremely low price at that, is an incredible bonus. If you have the chance: buy the ticket, take the ride.

lauren leggett

The Byrd is a great place to go for a certain kind of movie experience. If you want to sit in seats padded with 5 inches of modern synthetic materials, put your feet up and hear everything in pulsating projection, you probably dont want to visit the Byrd. If, however, you want to go to a beautiful historic theater and sit in seats that are still reasonably comfortable (I swear, they arent that bad, seriously) and pay far less for a recently run film, youll have a nice evening out. The Byrd is also a nice place to go for the occasional special events such as the film festivals and screenings as well as stage performances that crop up from time to time.

A Private User

If you happen to miss this gem during your stay in Richmond, then you really have missed out. One of the cheapest places in Richmond for a (second run) movie. Full of historic charm, this will please the old and young alike. Makes a great cheap first date, family night out or some place the friends can go and enjoy a good movie. Parking is a bit scarce, but if you are there early enough, you will get a spot. Seating is a bit small, but there are enough chairs for everyone to enjoy. They sometimes even open the balcony so you can sit up there and enjoy your movie. Take time to get there early to see the inside. Simply amazing.

Kate Strickland

My husband and I wait until newer movies come here to see them. Its our favorite theater by far! Most of the time they have specials with old movies and I love it! It goes with the atmosphere. But they do have new movies. Most of the time the movies they play are still in regular theaters or just left maybe a week before. The pice is fantastic ($1.99) and the concessions are very well priced. On Sundays they have an organ player that comes up from inside the stage which is really neat too. I love that they keep it open and are in the process of restoring it. I cant wait to see the things they do in the future!

Curtis BR

This Grand Movie Palace built in 1928 is a Virginia State and National treasure. The movies themselves are only $1.99 (bring cash). The theatre itself is a visual treasure and I cant ever get enough time to look around. Every Fri and Sat night before each movie Bob plays the Mighty Wurlitzer which is original to the theater. All of the instruments controlled by the Wurlitzer are in 4 rooms over the stage and in the two alcoves on order to create a Foley department for the original silent movies.