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This historic 1928 movie theatre in the Carytown part of Richmond, Virginia is known for its grand architecture and live organ performances. I was there to watch an independent movie from the Richmond International Film Festival. It's a great theater to experience cinema.
I grew up in Richmond, VA and the Byrd Theatre has been a staple for many years. I hadn't been in over 10 years and had the pleasure to visit during a screening of "At What Cost" and closing ceremonies of the Richmond Film Festival. The Byrd Theatre was one of the hosts. It was so nice to see it revamped while keeping a lot of the charm and original decor. What a treat! Service was excellent. I always love the charm of the piano player. They serve fresh popcorn and snacks at reasonable movie prices. It brought back old school memories to attend the screenings at this historic theatre. They have easy street parking and there is an inexpensive city lot behind the building. If you're looking to get away from those massive chains, the Byrd Theatre is a great look!
I had a great time. I enjoyed the music before the show and appreciated that there were no previews before the movie. This was my first time visiting the theater and will be going back.
A true Richmond institution. I've been a regular at the Byrd since the 90s. And it is consistently delightful and offers such a unique and wonderful experience. Bob the wullitzer organ player starts out each show, to a crowd of regulars and fans cheering him on as his plays. If you haven't yet been to the Byrd during the month of December, I highly recommend a visit. It's especially magical during Christmas time. And for those who have not been, I don't want to ruin the surprise. But you will love it. Tonight, my partner and I went to see white Christmas. And loved singing along with everybody. Such a lovely night. And I never get tired of gazing at the ornate 1920s decor.
Great theater for that old school experience. I've been here every other month since moving to Carytown a year and a half ago. The organ coming put if the stage is cool. We went to see Alien and that was great! Good popcorn, beer and wine available in cans, and candy is available too--even old school choices like Snowcaps. We like sitting in the balcony. Very friendly people working the ticket booth and snack counter. 5 stars!
Love this place! So retro and beautiful inside! They play old movies with NO annoying previews every night! The Wurlitzer player treats you to a 5-10 min concert before each movie! Lots of locals come here and get into it, so much fun! Less expensive than modern theaters too. Hope to frequent regularly!
We love The Byrd! It's such a beautiful Richmond staple. The best nights are when the organ player comes out and plays right before your movie. Since this is a historical theater some of the seats are a bit uncomfy, but the interior is absolutely stunning. The screen and sound are just right. Depending on how packed it is, you may have someone's head in your view, but this hasn't ruined a film for me in the past. You're able to buy popcorn and snacks before your movie too! The bathrooms are easy to access in the lobby. While the prices are great here, the programming isn't always my favorite. It can really be hit or miss. I wish they had dedicated nights like cult classic Mondays and arthouse Thursdays so they could reach an even wider audience instead of mainly old blockbusters. However, when they do offer a good movie it's packed and loads of fun. In the winter they have really fun Christmas movies with the organist playing before hand with fake snow. It's such a feel good time. I highly recommend checking out The Byrd. It's a must for all locals and tourists:)
We were fortunate to visit Richmond on a weekend when this theater was playing a movie (Decision to Leave) for only $8pp, and the fact that we could go to this historic theater for an inexpensive movie was a no-brainer. Tickets were easy to purchase online without having to go to the box office, and entering the theater was very easy. The theater was beautiful, the staff is friendly, and the theater has been maintained well. We really enjoyed admiring the theater before the show started, and there was a unique surprise where an organ player rose up from the stage and played for us before the show started. The sitting area is clean and there is a concession stand at the front with plenty of snacks that we were unfortunately too full for. The movie was a Korean movie, and there were no issues with the screen, audio, or anything like that so they are well-equipped to show movies here despite their older structure. This really felt like a best-of-both-worlds experience, and I'd definitely recommend trying to catch one of their shows for your visit.
The Byrd is a Richmond landmark and it's beautiful! The shows they offer sometimes are hit or miss but recently, they've been great. We went yesterday to see Kiki's delivery service and it was fun watching one of my favorite childhood movies! Bob on the organ is always fun too, it's part of the experience :)
What a wonderful experience! We saw a 7PM showing of Jennifer's Body (classic), and we loved everything about the Byrd. The staff was so friendly and kind, and their candy and popcorn prices were just fantastic. When the organ player came out from the stage, I was in shock! It was so fun, especially preceding our horror film. The crowd was fun as well, and it felt both appropriately quiet for a theater while being fun and communal. I can't wait to return for their October horror series!
I was excited to visit this Richmond staple. I went for a special showing of Summer of Soul and spent $8 on a ticket. I wasn't sure how crowded it would be so I decided to buy tickets in advance online. I realize now it really wasn't necessary. There was a nice handful of people there, but maybe only 30 percent full. The opening show was really enjoyable. The live entertainment lasted about 15 minutes. It was nice to be able to admire the building while listening to the musician. It really added to the vintage feel. The screen is large, the sound system was good and the seats were comfortable. What more do you really need? I can't wait to visit again for one of their regular showings.
I love the Byrd. This revival theater mostly focuses on replaying classic films but occasionally you can catch a new release here as well. It's true ticket prices have risen in the past ten years but at $8 for a full price and $5 for a Saturday matinee, you're still getting a great deal -- not to mention supporting a one of a kind movie theater in your own hometown. I love the physical appearance of the Byrd, the elaborate and historic flourishes and embellishments from when this place was a theater. And don't forget Bob and his Wurlitzer! Select shows are blessed with Bob and his Wurlitzer organ, which rises from the floor to regale audiences with medleys of classic show and movie tunes. So many great memories here! Support the Byrd!! You won't regret it.
Long live the Byrd! This historic movie palace first opened its doors in 1928 and it is still going strong. In 2018 it celebrated its 90th anniversary and began extensive renovations, including new theater seats for the first time since it opened, ADA compliant bathroom stalls, new HVAC, and expanding the concession stand to include an ABC license. The Byrd offers the experience of not only going to the movies but also taking a step back in time to the early 20th century. The interior is absolutely gorgeous and regal, with an enormous chandelier, elaborate murals on the walls, filigree, and classic box seats which are now decoration only. Every Saturday there is a live organ player who rises onto the stage from the orchestra pit. On one memorable occasion the musician was so lost in his craft that he forgot there was an audience behind him and continue playing past his usual routine. He received a standing ovation and was startled, humbly apologizing and admitting he had forgotten where he was. It was a bit of a magical moment, where hundreds of strangers had come together and enjoyed something spontaneous and beautiful. As a single screen theater, the Byrd typically only has two or three show times per day. The movies shown are typically no longer in theaters, but are not yet out to own on DVD, and for about $4 per ticket you really can't beat the price. It also hosts events such as Big Screen Classics, the Richmond French Film Festival, and the Richmond International Film & Music Festival. Last night I attended RIFF for the premier viewing of "Spider Mites of Jesus: The Dirtwoman Documentary," which was a triumph of local filmmaking and a labor of love 20 years in the making. I can think of no setting more appropriate to memorialize a Richmond icon than the Byrd, and I hope the theater continues to run and be loved for another century.
4 months ago
Awesome sauce! Glad that I RSVP'd for this event; and lucked up to see the new Michael movie! The new seats that got installed a few yrs ago are so comfortable and they all have cup holders. Staff are friendly and willing to help! It's a bit chilly as any movie theatre would be, especially during summer, so i came prepared with a jacket. read more
This historic 1928 movie theatre in the Carytown part of Richmond, Virginia is known for its grand architecture and live organ performances. I was there to watch an independent movie from the Richmond International Film Festival. It's a great theater to experience cinema. read more
17 days ago
I grew up in Richmond, VA and the Byrd Theatre has been a staple for many years. I hadn't been in over 10 years and had the pleasure to visit during a screening of "At What Cost" and closing ceremonies of the Richmond Film Festival. The Byrd Theatre was one of the hosts. It was so nice to see it revamped while keeping a lot of the charm and original decor. What a treat! Service was excellent. I always love the charm of the piano player. They serve fresh popcorn and snacks at reasonable movie prices. It brought back old school memories to attend the screenings at this historic theatre. They have easy street parking and there is an inexpensive city lot behind the building. If you're looking to get away from those massive chains, the Byrd Theatre is a great look! read more
A true Richmond institution. I've been a regular at the Byrd since the 90s. And it is consistently delightful and offers such a unique and wonderful experience. Bob the wullitzer organ player starts out each show, to a crowd of regulars and fans cheering him on as his plays. If you haven't yet been to the Byrd during the month of December, I highly recommend a visit. It's especially magical during Christmas time. And for those who have not been, I don't want to ruin the surprise. But you will love it. Tonight, my partner and I went to see white Christmas. And loved singing along with everybody. Such a lovely night. And I never get tired of gazing at the ornate 1920s decor. read more
Great theater for that old school experience. I've been here every other month since moving to Carytown a year and a half ago. The organ coming put if the stage is cool. We went to see Alien and that was great! Good popcorn, beer and wine available in cans, and candy is available too--even old school choices like Snowcaps. We like sitting in the balcony. Very friendly people working the ticket booth and snack counter. 5 stars! read more
Love this place! So retro and beautiful inside! They play old movies with NO annoying previews every night! The Wurlitzer player treats you to a 5-10 min concert before each movie! Lots of locals come here and get into it, so much fun! Less expensive than modern theaters too. Hope to frequent regularly! read more
We love The Byrd! It's such a beautiful Richmond staple. The best nights are when the organ player comes out and plays right before your movie. Since this is a historical theater some of the seats are a bit uncomfy, but the interior is absolutely stunning. The screen and sound are just right. Depending on how packed it is, you may have someone's head in your view, but this hasn't ruined a film for me in the past. You're able to buy popcorn and snacks before your movie too! The bathrooms are easy to access in the lobby. While the prices are great here, the programming isn't always my favorite. It can really be hit or miss. I wish they had dedicated nights like cult classic Mondays and arthouse Thursdays so they could reach an even wider audience instead of mainly old blockbusters. However, when they do offer a good movie it's packed and loads of fun. In the winter they have really fun Christmas movies with the organist playing before hand with fake snow. It's such a feel good time. I highly recommend checking out The Byrd. It's a must for all locals and tourists:) read more
4 years ago
We were fortunate to visit Richmond on a weekend when this theater was playing a movie (Decision to Leave) for only $8pp, and the fact that we could go to this historic theater for an inexpensive movie was a no-brainer. Tickets were easy to purchase online without having to go to the box office, and entering the theater was very easy. The theater was beautiful, the staff is friendly, and the theater has been maintained well. We really enjoyed admiring the theater before the show started, and there was a unique surprise where an organ player rose up from the stage and played for us before the show started. The sitting area is clean and there is a concession stand at the front with plenty of snacks that we were unfortunately too full for. The movie was a Korean movie, and there were no issues with the screen, audio, or anything like that so they are well-equipped to show movies here despite their older structure. This really felt like a best-of-both-worlds experience, and I'd definitely recommend trying to catch one of their shows for your visit. read more
3 years ago
The Byrd is a Richmond landmark and it's beautiful! The shows they offer sometimes are hit or miss but recently, they've been great. We went yesterday to see Kiki's delivery service and it was fun watching one of my favorite childhood movies! Bob on the organ is always fun too, it's part of the experience :) read more
What a wonderful experience! We saw a 7PM showing of Jennifer's Body (classic), and we loved everything about the Byrd. The staff was so friendly and kind, and their candy and popcorn prices were just fantastic. When the organ player came out from the stage, I was in shock! It was so fun, especially preceding our horror film. The crowd was fun as well, and it felt both appropriately quiet for a theater while being fun and communal. I can't wait to return for their October horror series! read more
I was excited to visit this Richmond staple. I went for a special showing of Summer of Soul and spent $8 on a ticket. I wasn't sure how crowded it would be so I decided to buy tickets in advance online. I realize now it really wasn't necessary. There was a nice handful of people there, but maybe only 30 percent full. The opening show was really enjoyable. The live entertainment lasted about 15 minutes. It was nice to be able to admire the building while listening to the musician. It really added to the vintage feel. The screen is large, the sound system was good and the seats were comfortable. What more do you really need? I can't wait to visit again for one of their regular showings. read more
I love the Byrd. This revival theater mostly focuses on replaying classic films but occasionally you can catch a new release here as well. It's true ticket prices have risen in the past ten years but at $8 for a full price and $5 for a Saturday matinee, you're still getting a great deal -- not to mention supporting a one of a kind movie theater in your own hometown. I love the physical appearance of the Byrd, the elaborate and historic flourishes and embellishments from when this place was a theater. And don't forget Bob and his Wurlitzer! Select shows are blessed with Bob and his Wurlitzer organ, which rises from the floor to regale audiences with medleys of classic show and movie tunes. So many great memories here! Support the Byrd!! You won't regret it. read more
7 years ago
Long live the Byrd! This historic movie palace first opened its doors in 1928 and it is still going strong. In 2018 it celebrated its 90th anniversary and began extensive renovations, including new theater seats for the first time since it opened, ADA compliant bathroom stalls, new HVAC, and expanding the concession stand to include an ABC license. The Byrd offers the experience of not only going to the movies but also taking a step back in time to the early 20th century. The interior is absolutely gorgeous and regal, with an enormous chandelier, elaborate murals on the walls, filigree, and classic box seats which are now decoration only. Every Saturday there is a live organ player who rises onto the stage from the orchestra pit. On one memorable occasion the musician was so lost in his craft that he forgot there was an audience behind him and continue playing past his usual routine. He received a standing ovation and was startled, humbly apologizing and admitting he had forgotten where he was. It was a bit of a magical moment, where hundreds of strangers had come together and enjoyed something spontaneous and beautiful. As a single screen theater, the Byrd typically only has two or three show times per day. The movies shown are typically no longer in theaters, but are not yet out to own on DVD, and for about $4 per ticket you really can't beat the price. It also hosts events such as Big Screen Classics, the Richmond French Film Festival, and the Richmond International Film & Music Festival. Last night I attended RIFF for the premier viewing of "Spider Mites of Jesus: The Dirtwoman Documentary," which was a triumph of local filmmaking and a labor of love 20 years in the making. I can think of no setting more appropriate to memorialize a Richmond icon than the Byrd, and I hope the theater continues to run and be loved for another century. read more
I took my son for a holiday showing of the Polar Express. It had been about six years since I visited the Byrd. New seats in the middle section were awesome!! No more uncomfortable squirming by the end of the movie. We listened to the Wurlitzer and sang along to Christmas carols (complete with snow from the balcony at the conclusion). A small popcorn, can of sofa, and bag of M&Ms were only about $11. I was happy to pay it to support this landmark. Every staff member was so friendly. Thanks, Byrd Theatre. We will make you a holiday tradition. read more
Is it a Byrd? Is it a Plane? No, it's a theater. Cheap theater in Richmond. Old style and adorable. A really nice place to come and check out an event when you are in Carytown which is the cool trendy part of Richmond. It reminds me in a lot of ways of the North Park Theatre in Buffalo. read more
4 years ago
The architecture in this venue is insane. I love the 1920's, French inspired design. It's pretty slick, even considering that it FEELS old...but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It just IS old. With that being said, I found myself at the Byrd for a friend's movie premiere. Excellent venue for such an occasion. The sound system they used to speak to the crowd before the premiere started, assuming it was provided by the venue, was NOT sweet (I'm an audio engineer...it's my job to critique), but that was an issue for all of 7mins. Outside of that, this venue was very cool. Now as for the old...yes this place is VERY old, and some aspects can certainly stand to be upgraded. We should be appalled at the size of the bathrooms. The stalls were ridiculously small. Now that is NOT the Byrd's fault. We as Americans have gotten so fat in the 90 years since this place was built that the average person can't fit in the stall without having to do 180 degree spins while standing in place (and yes I am one of those Fatty McGoos). The seats in the Byrd were also uncomfortable, not so much due to size, but because of the amount of wear on them over the previous decades. I'm assuming 30+ years since the last remodel considering the amount of wear and tear on them. With that being said, I'd come back for another show/movie/presentation. I find no reason why I wouldn't. It's SMACK in the middle of Carytown, so it's conveniently located next to some pretty cool restaurants. Yeah...Byrd is ok with me. read more
It's iconic! It's historic. It's gorgeous. I love watching movies here in Carytown. Yes, the parking can be a pain, but there's a nostalgic feeling when you get your ticket in this beautiful theater. The red velvet rope and decor harkens Old Hollywood, the small concession stand with freshly popped kernels tempts your tastebuds, and the balcony adds a bit of drama! The gold curtain is glorious and the newly renovated middle seats have cup holders! It is a joy to watch movies here! I love the Byrd! Feed the Byrd! RVA Classic! read more
3 years ago
4 years ago
My Fiancé and I have loved this theater since we moved down to Richmond. The architecture, the people and the overall energy coming from this place is just amazing. The Byrd theater is a time machine that brings you back to a place with chandeliers, fancy lights, elegant seats, intricate and immaculate moldings every where you look and a beautiful domed and crested ceiling that makes you feel like old school royalty. The absolute best part about the Byrd theater is looking to either sides of the screen to see a beautiful harp on one end, A piano on the other and if you're lucky before the show starts, from the ground will come up an organ ! We had the most satisfying organ performance before our last movie and my Fiancé and I were absolutely in love with everything. Thank you all for preserving such a beautiful building and maintaining not only the structure but the instruments, the music and the organ performances. read more
Byrd Theatre is a great place to see second-run movies, and is an amazing deal to boot. Just remember to bring something cushion-y to sit on! Came here recently with a friend to see Frozen and loved the theater. Tickets are ridiculously cheap and refreshments are a decent deal too (compared to mainstream theaters, anyway; also, there's beer). Don't expect to see anything here that just came out on Friday, though if you want to re-watch a first-run movie or you just missed it when it first came out, this is definitely a good place to go. The theater itself is quite beautiful and well-maintained, though the seats show the age of it all. Smart people bring cushions to make the experience more bearable, and I wish I had known to do this before coming. I did, however, know that it is important to come early, about 30 minutes prior to when they open the box office, to ensure that you get a good seat, or a seat at all if it's a particularly busy Friday or Saturday evening. Don't park anywhere near here, you'll get trapped like crazy. Park on a side street distant from the theater and enjoy the nice walk to and from it. All in all, a trip to the Byrd Theatre is a great part of an evening involving dinner before or after at one of the many restaurants nearby, and followed by maybe a cupcake at Carytown Cupcakes or donut from Dixie Donuts. Just remember to bring cushions, park far away from the theater, and arrive with time to spare. Overall: 4.0 stars --------------- Pros: - Screen is great, as is the sound. - Theater is beautiful and a pleasure to the eyes. - CHEAP! - Makes for an enjoyable part of a date night or outing with friends. - Staff members are pleasant and helpful. Cons: - Parking is a nightmare, park far away from the theater. - Seats are pretty terrible, so bring cushions. - Lines run long, so arrive early. - Movies aren't first-run, so expect to wait a bit to see currently new releases. read more
Delightful time machine to a bygone era where going out to a show was not just for the show itself, but for the enjoyment of the venue. The Byrd theatre is a gem, and after reading about how locals saved this delightful spot from becoming a Starbucks/McDonalds/etc., I am thankful. $2 for a show is also a steal, and I could see myself coming here every week. The neighborhood is also tops with loads of local food options and the delightful looking toyshop down the street. No question, if you're going to do the dinner and movie date, this is your spot. The real show however is the venue itself. Get your top hat and white gloves, and we'll see you at the Byrd! read more
9 years ago
"Automatic, supersonic, hypnotic, funky fresh." - How I would describe my experience at the Byrd theater. I've been to the Byrd Theatre twice, and it never fails to disappoint, with it's historic decor, great movie selection, and unbeatable deals on movies. I watched Logan, and the $3 price tag was just fabulous. I believe the environment really enhanced the drama of the movie; I love the vintage feel and the history that surrounds this place. Staring up at the chandelier, the ceiling, and the detailed relief on the wall really enhanced my time here. It's not just a place to watch movies, it's an experience in itself. I would recommend the Byrd to anyone looking for a cheap yet meaningful date in Cary Town! read more
NEW SEATS. WHO DIS?! Time to update my review of the iconic Byrd Theatre! The much anticipated new seats are installed in the middle section and they greatly enhanced the movie watching experience. My butt didn't hurt, yall! I wasn't squirming! I never thought that the original seats were that bad, but you can't deny the alarming difference now that I've experienced the new ones. Other than those amazing updates (and the price increase to $4 a ticket instead of $2), The Byrd is still the same ole place we all know and love. Concessions are cheap, tickets are cheap, movie quality and sound are good. The place is drop dead gorgeous and something that everyone in Richmond should experience. Plus, there are so many great restaurants on Cary Street you can experience before or after to make the perfect date night. read more
4 years ago
7 years ago
$5 tickets for an opening act and a movie?! Count me in. I throughly enjoyed the old school vibes of this place. The organist was such a highlight, and a great way to start off the night. The facilities are pretty well maintained. Staff is nice. Seating is pretty comfortable. When I'm back in Richmond, I will probably come back read more
4 years ago
Awesome venue! Movies are $4 if you buy them online, two showings a night. There is a concession stand and water fountains. Street parking is easy to find here. I love the atmosphere of this place It is so unique that the inside and outside of this theater has been largely untouched since it was built in 1928. read more
14 years ago
I find it joyful and sensual to feast my eyes on beautiful architecture. The Byrd Theater, erected in 1928 as one of the nation's Grand Movie Palaces, serves as an anchor to the Cary Street shopping district. The Theater is richly appointed in gold and red decor in the French Empire style and features most of the original gold leaf, paintings and marble. When I passed by during a visit to Richmond, Bill, the proud caretaker, was outside sweeping the sidewalk and I stopped to ask him questions. My family will tell you I talk to anyone who will listen. He treated me to a 15 minute soliloquy on this beloved structure. The theatre has a state of the art sound system and has never been remodeled other than a facelift on the stage area. Movies and live shows are still offered and on Saturdays, you can hear Bob Gulledge, play the Byrd's Mighty Wurlitzer read more
4 years ago
14 years ago
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More info about Byrd Theatre
2908 W Cary St
Richmond, VA 23221
Carytown
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(804) 358-3056
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https://byrdtheatre.org
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