Diverse Film Screenings and Events Held at Marchesa Hall and Theatre

The exterior of Marchesa Hall and Theatre

As a native Austinite, I have a lot of memories of going to the Lincoln Village Theater when I was a kid. The last movie I remember seeing in that theater’s era was Star Trek First Contact in 1997.

Austin has changed in a lot of different ways since then. Within that time, the shopping center has been purchased by private owners and rebranded as The Linc. The movie theater in particular is now called The Marchesa Hall and Theatre.

When you walk into The Marchesa, it’s like walking into a movie museum. The walls are decorated with old film posters, as well as record covers of vintage soundtracks. Partnered with the Austin Film Society, this venue has a 280-seat theater, equipped with Dolby surround sound and projectors for both 35MM and the currently used DCP. While these specs are pretty standard for a multiplex, they’re more unique for an art house theater to have.

The lobby at Marchesa Hall and Theatre has a relaxing atmosphere conducive to just hanging out

But the Marchesa Hall and Theatre does more than just art house cinema. This venue also features two banquet halls, capable of any type of event from weddings to wrestling. They are available to host private parties, weddings, or even a concert. I’ve seen these rooms change from the Blue Genie Art Bazaar to the Staple! indie comic expo. Hilariously, these rooms go through a complete metamorphosis when a wrestling ring is placed in the middle of them to feature live professional wrestling.

Additionally, Marchesa has the benefit of easy and free parking, allowing them to host live music shows, with a full bar, without the feel of turning into a nightclub.

Full mix bar with theater concessions

The lobby has a very relaxing atmosphere. With a wide open space, you can probably spend ten minutes at a time, looking at all the detail on their giant-sized, vintage movie posters. The concession area features traditional theater fare, as well as a full mix bar. Because this is Austin, owner Deborah Gill keeps the food and drinks as local as possible, including local beers and liquor from Austin companies, as well as popcorn by Cornucopia Popcorn Creations.

As I mentioned before, The Marchesa Hall and Theatre partnered with the Austin Film Society starting last year. By doing this, Austin Film Society has doubled the amount of screenings they provide every month.

Austin Film Society features different program series, intended to explore films from all over the world, as well as feature films by independent film makers. These screenings are available to the public with a discounted rate to Austin Film Society members. More information, including membership and scheduling, can be found at AustinFilm.org.

Austin Film Society screenings are regularly held at the Marchesa

Marchesa’s 280-seat theater isn’t limited to just the Austin Film Society. In the past year, the venue has also hosted more than eight separate film festivals, including Cine Las Americas. It was also a venue for SXSW. As Austin has grown bigger and the film-watching scene has become more popular (seriously, world wide popular), I have found it increasingly more expensive to host my own screening. Now Austin has Marchesa, which is willing to work with independent film makers so they can afford to host a screening at a theater.

“The opportunities of what we can bring to the public are endless,” boasts Gill. If you’re looking for a venue to host your own event for a film screening, wedding or corporate party, look no further than The Marchesa Hall and Theatre.”