the art theater

pdrane56

I love supporting small art theaters whenever possible so on a recent trip to Champaign I was thrilled to be able to catch the Oscar nominated live action shorts at this venue. It's convenienty located in downtown Champaign around the corner from a parking garage (free on the Saturday night we were in town), and close to lots of restaurants for dining after the show. The 101 year old theater shows films with limited distribution—primarily art and foreign films. I'm so thankful that it continues to deliver good times for movie goers.

Sarah3M

We LOVE the Art. It's a great place to catch a new indie flick, or one of their frequent showings of older classics.This place is the reel deal (get it??), it looks basically the same as it did 50 years ago. I love the intricate design of the building, and the intimate setting for more interactive shows.They have the usual movie fare available; popcorn, soda, and candy. In addition they offer a small variety of beer, wine, and cocktails to enhance your adult movie-going experience.Just a few of the stellar movies we've seen at this theater include The Room, Labyrinth, and the Found Footage Festival.

269carmenm

This theater is co-operatively owned and the folks running it are doing it obviously from a great love of the space itself and its history and the kinds of films they are able to present. We loved that so much of the original art deco features were still intact, including a fabulous (but unused) ticket booth outside that we hope gets a little love and gets saved! The seats inside are new and comfortable and they offer a nice line of beers, wine and cider to enjoy. Wish it were in our neighborhood! We'd be regulars.

WalterM75

I have been watching movies at the Art in downtown Champaign once or twice a month for 18 years. It is one of my favorite cinemas in the world! It offers a fascinating, ever-changing repertoire of art, independent, horror, sci-fi, and foreign films as well as many annual film festivals. Just this year I have enjoyed Tim's Vermeer, The Holy Mountain, Le Week-end, El topo, The One I Love, The Congress, Scream, The Zero Theorem, Re-Animator, and five films in the Latin American Film Festival. Refreshments are very reasonably priced at $3-4 and include adult beverages! I'll be back next week for Candyman.

svenskjim

The new multiplex theaters have as much character as a warehouse. They are based on economy of construction with concrete block walls everywhere. The Art Theater is a true theater and has the appearance that you expect. It is simple, but attractive - inside and out. The films shown are always thoughtfully selected and worth seeing. On thing that makes this a very special place is that it is owned cooperatively by people that enjoy theaters and films.

MLFsmiles13

Such a nice change from the gigantic, cold, boring, neon bright multiplexes. This felt cozy, personal, and special. Had an awesome time at this theater!

elswells

We saw "Much Ado About Nothing" on a Sunday afternoon, a delightful film in a lovely theatre. It's so nice that the theatre is being used. It was a treat to have a glass of wine while we watched the movie. The theatre is a coop. If I lived in Champaign, I would definitely join.

PaulaT931

The Art is the class act of movie theatres in Champaign-Urbana. It's where we go for art films, indy and experimental films, first run interesting Hollywood films, unique events, and other grown-up cinematic experiences. Roger Ebert watched films here growing up and subsequently helped the place survive several near-death experiences. Many community members provide ongoing support as well. The back-killing seats were replaced awhile ago, restrooms were upgraded, screening facilities likewise--and wine and beer are now served! And the guys who run it are great.

Reliabill

The Art Theater is community owned--not city owned or privately owned, but owned and managed by membership. This experiment has worked out very well so far, maintaining the Theater's reputation as the place to see the films that the conglomerates overlook, including a great many films that win or are nominated for major international awards. That said, the ticket prices are high, and there is not even a token discount for members, which seems very odd. The concession stand is wonderfully quirky, offering drinks you can't get elsewhere. When and if the Theater can afford it, it needs to upgrade its bathrooms which are too small and old to accommodate the growing audience.

Thoughful-Traveler

This is a wonderful little art cinema holding out for fine films in a society increasingly limited tothe "cinecineplex" experience or the phony artiness of the Sundance chain. The fact that thisis an indie art house is alone sufficient to warrant support. The selection of films is relatively avant grade. Best of all, the cinema has become a coop.

DBATL

What a great movie house! Definitely a hold-out from a bygone era, with considerable charm. Delightfully casual check-in just inside the door at what doubles as the refreshment stand. Alcohol available if wanted. Large, clean theater, comfortable seats, and no ads!!! The movie started right on time, with no advertisements or trailers before. Popcorn was so-so, but they were generous with the butter flavoring. Lots of parking available on a non-weekend night, I parked literally right around the corner, much closer than I have ever gotten at a multiplex. Absolutely is something that should be cherished by the community!

CUTravelguy

This is a single screen art house that should be called "The Little Theater That Could." It's been through a series of owners, and recently has gone into cooperative owner, and it keeps chugging along by the skin of its teeth - consistently screening a broad selection of art films and overlooked mainstream sleepers. Liquor license, and home baked goodies. Also, arguably the best sound system in town.

amishlaw

This is not only a theater which you ought to attend because it is good for you. While the movies are mainly not ones showing at the multiplexes, the whole movie experience is much better than what the multiplexes offer. The seats are comfortable, the refreshments are reasonably priced (you can even get alcohol, if you think that will enhance your viewing experience,) and the sound is excellent. Now that the theater has been turned over to a cooperative, hopefully, it will be around for many years to come.

945JohnB945

No pre-show ads to try to squeeze a buck out of the patron, a neat old venue with modern capability for sound and picture and a good movie experience watching "Samsara"

elliotc158

Fantastic old theater. Shows great films!!!Don't go when it's 100, their old ac can't handle it!