When you visit the little city of Anaconda, you’ll notice the Washoe Theatre right away. Its Art Deco style architecture stands out amongst the other buildings on Main Street, and that’s no accident. In fact, it was the last theater in the United States constructed in the Nuevo Deco style.
The Washoe was designed in 1931, but it didn’t open until 1936 due to the Great Depression.
Keith Ewing / Flickr This was once the site of the Margaret Theatre, constructed in 1897 and named after Copper King Marcus Daly’s wife.It was sold in 1926 and renamed the Sundial, but unfortunately, it burned down in a fire that same year.
The space was designed by B. Marcus Priteca, the architect of the Hollywood Pantages theater.
Washoe Theatre Facebook It was designed to have nearly perfect acoustics, which wasn’t an easy feat at the time.
The theatre itself is more impressive than any movie you’ll see.
Alan Blakely / TripAdvisor The walls are decked out in ornate details, and copper lines the space, which pays homage to Montana’s copper mining past. Anaconda was once one of the world’s largest processors of copper, after all.
The theatre is now owned by Washoe Amusement Company, which keeps everything pristine.
Mark Holloway / Flickr The silk curtain is so old that employees are hesitant to take it down for a cleaning lest the little piece of history fall apart.
Movies here run on a Friday - Thursday schedule.
rosinberg / Flickr Of course, only one film can play here at a time, but the locals don’t mind.
The next time you’re in Anaconda, check this place out.
Ben / Flickr Not only is it a beautiful historic building, but seeing a movie here is a lot of fun.
Address: 305 Main Street, Anaconda, MT, 59711
Keith Ewing / Flickr
This was once the site of the Margaret Theatre, constructed in 1897 and named after Copper King Marcus Daly’s wife.It was sold in 1926 and renamed the Sundial, but unfortunately, it burned down in a fire that same year.
Washoe Theatre Facebook
It was designed to have nearly perfect acoustics, which wasn’t an easy feat at the time.
Alan Blakely / TripAdvisor
The walls are decked out in ornate details, and copper lines the space, which pays homage to Montana’s copper mining past. Anaconda was once one of the world’s largest processors of copper, after all.
Mark Holloway / Flickr
The silk curtain is so old that employees are hesitant to take it down for a cleaning lest the little piece of history fall apart.
rosinberg / Flickr
Of course, only one film can play here at a time, but the locals don’t mind.
Ben / Flickr
Not only is it a beautiful historic building, but seeing a movie here is a lot of fun.
For information on movie showtimes, check out the Washoe Theatre website. And while you’re at it, spend some time exploring Anaconda.
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Address: 305 Main St, Anaconda, MT 59711, USA
