Cinestudio is an independent film theater that opened on the campus of Trinity College in Hartford,…read moreConnecticut in February 1970. It was founded by a group of Trinity College students that included Peter Stott, Ted Kroll, Peter McMorris, Charles Rumsey, James Hanley, Anne Risdon, Larry Stires and Randy Man. The group of film-obsessed students made a home for themselves in a little-used lecture hall inside the Clement Chemistry Building. The room, unfortunately, possessed troubled acoustics. Within two years, and with the help of Ralph Mauro from National Theater Supply and Lonny Jennings at Dolby, the sound issues were rectified and the room was transformed into a recreation of a 1930s film house. The grand opening (a double feature of "Alice's Restaurant" and The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine") was sold out. Cinestudio screens a variety of second-run, independent, foreign, and classic films. The single-screen venue has a seating capacity of approximately 485, 4K Digital Cinema systems, as well as 35mm and 70mm film projectors for use in studio archive presentations. Cinestudio features a spectacular gold Austrian screen curtain that rises at every show, real balcony seating, and the gold lion courant insignia. I recently visited Cinestudio for the first time. I read about it and an online article and couldn't believe that I had never heard of it before. I parked in a small parking lot on Summit Street and followed the sign which led me through a stone archway. As I walked along the Main Quad, I saw the neon color-changing lights of Cinestudio. Entering Cinestudio is a blast from the past. I purchased my ticket at the Fred Pfeil Memorial Ticket Booth (only $10 a show) and then headed to the concessions area where I purchased a giant bucket of popcorn for only $5. A volunteer told me, "The balcony is nice, but if this is your first time here then I recommend the lower level. You can hear the sound system much better." The interior of the theater was absolutely gorgeous with red accents. The film that I was seeing during my visit was the 1978 remake of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers": part of the theater's ongoing series "Our National Nightmare: 2026 Anxieties in 1970s American Film". Many screenings at Cinestudio are introduced by a guest speaker; this one featured Roger Benham. Although I have seen this film a number of times before, this was my first time seeing it on the silver screen....and it was so much more frightening now. This was my first visit to Cinestudio, but it certainly won't be my last!

I love Cinestudio, I will support this place foreverrrr! I got to see the secret agent which really…read morewasn't playing anywhere else in my area, besides one showing at AMC that I couldn't make. Cinestudio is now my go to spot for films that don't have large releases or general indie films. The theater is also so beautiful and classic! I can't wait to come back and bring friends.

I have come here twice to see this documentary "No Other Land" because it isn't streaming or…read moreplaying anywhere else. I'm grateful that we have a theater like this in Hartford! I am not a member yet but I intend to become one. There is also an art gallery which I have not explored yet. I took a star off because the popcorn was not great. I only got it once. Maybe it wasn't fresh. I'm going back tomorrow to see the movie one last time before it's gone and will check out the art gallery and try the popcorn again!

We had the pleasure of attending the opening of " MIDAS."…read moreThe theatre was perfect in size and the chair not tight fitting! The staff were great in directing us to the evening's event and activities. We will return!!

this place has gone down hill they got new seats and movie…read morewas fine but the whole set up feels off maybe cheap no signs no popcorn in machine just off

Wouldn't run back due to the chairs - how quickly we get spoiled;-) but would go back when the…read moremovie time suited my schedule. Didn't use concessions so I can't comment. Temperature was ok / not too cold not too hot. Volume wasn't excessively loud - would put that in the plus column. Surprised their Tuesday deal wasn't on par with other theaters.

The Science Center has a lot of interactive exhibits. There is plenty to read, if you want to, but…read morehonestly, the children I saw were jumping in and participating in the many hands-on exhibits. Some of the favorites were the air cannons where they tested their skills keeping a ball aloft while moving it toward a 'hoop' to drop the ball through. The interactive downhill ski machine was also visited often. The day we visited, a group of high school students were there with a display on aerodynamics. They had visual displays of air moving objects and then the children were allowed to build their own paper airplane, put it into a wind tunnel and see how well their design flew. They very much enjoyed that. There is a huge megalodon static display with a wide open mouth to show just how much one could eat in a bite. All the kids wanted to crawl inside, which of course is not allowed, but it was certainly large enough to swallow all of them whole! The shark exhibit had lots of information and a video game they could use to make a shark eat a squid. They enjoyed that as well. The admission is quite expensive, which I understand as everything is quite expensive these days and there are plenty of staff on hand in each exhibit to answer questions. Then there's maintenance, electricity, etc. At one time the Science Center offered passes through the libraries for half off admission which would certainly be helpful to families straining to live within a budget. Camp groups were in house during our visit so perhaps they choose to focus their giving back to the community in that way instead of offering the library passes. A sandwich shop and an ice cream shop are on the first floor along with the gift shop. The gift shop has a variety of items from games to jewelry at a variety of price points. Some exhibit spaces have restrooms and water fountains. Ask a staff member for directions. Very long, steep staircases lead between exhibits and you have to exit the exhibit on the correct side to access these stair cases. An elevator bank runs from the lobby to each floor as well. They do have a parking garage, which was full when we visited. The Convention Center parking garage is just across the street and a short walk away.

CT Science Center is located in Hartford and is a hands on science museum. There are many exhibits…read morein all the science fields that you can explore; it's also for all ages too. My favorite was the butterfly encounter; there is a room just for butterflies and they do land on you. There is a parking garage available. There are 4 levels open to the public. My family and I enjoyed the exhibits. There were plenty to keep us all busy. My children enjoyed the play kitchen, dinosaurs, and butterflies. Blue Chip Creamery is also located there. I highly recommend it and can't wait to go back soon.

Went to see Too Many Zooz here and had a great time. It's a great venue, easy to get to, good…read moredrinks. You can sit at a table upstairs or go downstairs and dance. It's a lot of fun.

I have not tried the bistro yet, but this is my second time seeing a concert in the music hall…read more The music hall is on the smaller side, making each show more intimate than one in a larger venue. There is a bar in the back and additional seating in a balcony area. There really isn't a bad seat in the house, and both times I went the tickets were less than $50. I will definitely be back again.

I love coming to the Bushnell to watch amazing shows. I seen three show here so far and had great…read moreexperience for all of them. They have good parking, which is right across the street. It might take time to get out of the parking after the shows but it is manageable. I suggest to get there early to get good parking, light snacks, and some merchandise. The merch line is usually long but it is organized. All the staff is friendly and willing to help if you have questions. Seating in the theater can be a bit tight but it is not too bad. Overall I love coming here when there is show I want to see but don't feel like going to NYC to watch it.

Can't wait for the show to begin. Some of the young girls have dressed up as Belle- so cute.read more