library of congress national audio visual conservation center

This facility is just a wonderful addition to Culpeper. The theatre is fantastic, something for everyone over the course of a few months. Silent film buffs will especially enjoy those evenings when silent films are highlighted, along with the live music that accompanies the films. But there is something for everyone - just look at their schedule. We go often.

I had an AMAZING time and recommend this workshop/conference to all film lovers! The tour is A MUST!

We attended a film workshop for 3 days. The optional tour was fascinating, and we were very impressed with the work that is being done there. The building and the site are magnificent. This was our second visit, and we found it just as marvelous this time, The hillside is planted naturally with beautiful native trees, shrubs and flowers. The building itself is Leed Certified, with much of the facility being underground. Unless you know the building is there, you could almost miss it, as part of the design is for the plants to "hide" much of the building.All of the staff, including the security staff, were warm and welcoming. Visitors should know that bags are searched.

If you can go watch a movies there do it. This building is built into the side of a mountain and something to see if you can get invited.

A great place to catch up on old films and its free. The downside are the seats - rather hard and uncomfortable.

This is an unusual building built into the side of a mountain however, you can't tour at this time. You can see some of the movies at an old theater in downtown Culpeper. Visitors center has information on this. Check out website for information on past and present use of this building.

make sure you visit the website and check the free movies... make a point to see the silent movies with the guest accompianist on the organ... a jewel in the crown of culpeper

The Packard Center at this branch of the LOC is a surprising place. First, it used to be a hiding place for the National Reserve, so it has the look of a bunker, grey concrete built into the side of a hill. I have passed it on Route 29 a million times and never noticed it until I was invited there for a teacher seminar on using film in the classroom. It is now a restoration and conservation center for American film, and it holds the original negative prints for some of our most classic films. The vaults are kept at 39 degrees to keep the films from degrading. Besides classic films, these vaults also contain newsreels and millions of other kinds of film. This is where Ken Burns comes when he wants historical footage for his documentaries. Now, the sad part is that they don't give tours. That's a bummer, because what they are doing is completely cool, and more people knowing about it would mean more support for their efforts. But what they do do is show free movies in their lovely theater on a big screen, so you can see classic films somewhere other than your TV set. The movies are preceded by slides (instead of ads) that give great biographical info and background info about the actors and making of the film. Often one of the employees of the LOC will give a short talk to introduce the film, letting you know certain things to look for or other inside info. If you love movies, get a copy of their schedule and check this place out.

everyone should take advantage of this FREE attraction... the small theatre (highly recommend you make reservations well in advance) is perfect for viewing these historic films that have been preserved and restored for our future generations

Mount Pony is amazing, free movies (who doesn't like that) and in a beautiful setting. They offer a wide variety of movies and normally anything really kid friend is at afternoon times on a Saturday. They even have special guest speakers sometimes. It is a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.

On most Thursdays and weekends this theater shows anything from silent classic films (often accompanied by shorts) to more modern films such as "the Godfather" or the Bond series. Most movies are preceded by a short talk by one of the curators. Also, its one of the rare places where you can see a silent film with live musical accompaniment, which is really fun to experience (and the accompanist has always been very good). A bargain at twice the price (it's free--you just need to call for reservations). It's also a very comfortable theater, built to look like a classic movie house of the '30s. No snack bar, by the way (it's a library, so I guess that's why), so don't go hungry.

I can't think of another theater offering FREE classic films from every decade up on the BIG screen 150 times a year in a like new Art Deco cinema. Since Sept. 2008 when Maltese Falcon played Disney, Bogart, romantic comedies, mysteries, Sci-Fi titles, shorts cartoons, newsreels, Three Stooges & Bugs Bunny have provided entertainment. And special guests, documentaries, foreign films and slide show programs educate, enlighten and culturally enhance the lives of those who attend. And did I mention it's FUN as well as FREE? Check their schedule on the web, just Google Packard Campus Theater or Library Of Congress Mt. Pony Theatre and you'll see the current upcoming lineup. We became regulars on opening day and have attended hundreds of great films and made friends with many film buffs.

Attending a movie at the Library is a great! It is very entertaining and educational. The staff does a wonderful job of making you feel welcome and creating a good experience. And it is FREE!

Hidden on the hillside is a wonderful "FREE" night out for couples, families, and children. Free movies for any age. The best place to find a date and time is on their website http://www.loc.gov/avconservation/theater/ .... The inside of the theater is fantastic. And, make sure you go to one of the nights when silent movies are shown as the pipe organ comes out of the floor and is played with the movies adding that extra special touch. EXCELLENT - A MUST GO!!!

We went to one of the free movie presentations on a Friday night in July. We had no trouble getting in - - it wasn't a well known movie but we enjoyed it. Before the movie a presenter gave a brief talk about the movie, which added to our enjoyment. They also showed a newsreel and a cartoon from the same year the movie was made. I knew how to get to the facility from previous trips, but this was the first time my husband had been there. He noted that there weren't many signs indicating how to find your way into the place -- you can see it up on the hill but it isn't obvious how to get to it.