What Is the World’s Oldest Outdoor Operating Movie Theater?
The world’s oldest outdoor operating movie theater is the Moonlight Drive-in Theater in Melbourne, Australia. The theater was opened in 1955 by the Cohen family, who have operated it ever since. At its peak, the theater was one of the most popular drive-in theaters in Australia, with up to 1,000 cars attending a screening on a single night.
In its heyday, the Moonlight Drive-in featured two screens that could show up to three movies a night. The theater also had an onsite snack bar and a car park. Movies were shown in 35mm film format until the early 2000s when digital projection was introduced.
Today, the Moonlight Drive-in continues to be a popular destination for moviegoers who appreciate the nostalgia of watching movies under the stars. The drive-in offers double feature screenings every weekend with both modern blockbusters and classic favorites shown on its two screens. Moviegoers can even bring their own food and drinks for an authentic retro experience.
In addition to its regular screenings, the Moonlight Drive-in also hosts special events throughout the year such as movie marathons and themed nights. This has helped to ensure that audiences continue to come back time and time again for an unforgettable experience under the stars.
The success of this charming outdoor cinema is testament to its enduring appeal and it is easy to see why it has been around for more than sixty years. In an age when outdoor movie theaters are becoming increasingly rare, it is reassuring that one of the world’s oldest outdoor operating movie theaters continues to provide entertainment for generations of Australians year after year.
Conclusion:
The Moonlight Drive-in Theater in Melbourne has been delighting audiences with classic and modern films since 1955, making it one of the oldest outdoor operating movie theaters in existence today. With double feature screenings every weekend as well as special events throughout the year, this charming cinema provides an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages and serves as a reminder of how much fun can be had by watching movies under the stars.