When Was the White House Movie Theater Built?

Movie Theater|Theater

The White House Movie Theater has been a source of entertainment for presidents, their families, and guests of the White House since 1942. Located in the East Wing of the White House, the theater was built during World War II as a place for Franklin D. Roosevelt to relax and watch movies with his family and friends.

The theater was built in just two months, using materials donated by Hollywood studios including MGM, Warner Bros., Paramount Pictures, and 20th Century Fox. The theater was designed in a traditional style with red velvet upholstered walls and plush carpeting.

It features a large projection screen and state-of-the-art audio system. The projector used is a 35mm Cinemeccanica Victoria 8 projector which was delivered to the White House on May 8th 1942 for installation.

The first movie shown at the White House Movie Theater was “Yankee Doodle Dandy” starring James Cagney on June 19th 1942. Since then it has been used to show countless movies throughout its history, ranging from classics such as “The Wizard of Oz” to more recent releases such as “Frozen.” The theater is also used to host special events such as private screenings for family members or foreign dignitaries visiting the White House.

In addition to being used for entertainment purposes, the theater has also served as a place for presidential meetings and press conferences throughout its history. President John F. Kennedy hosted a meeting with his cabinet members in 1961 to discuss the Cuban Missile Crisis in the theater; President Lyndon B Johnson held a press conference there in 1964; President Nixon watched Vietnam War documentaries in 1970; President Ford held meetings with his advisors; and President Reagan watched movies with world leaders such as Margaret Thatcher during their visits to Washington D.C..

Conclusion: The White House Movie Theater was built during World War II in just two months using materials donated by Hollywood studios. It has served presidents, their families, and guests of the White House since 1942, hosting private screenings and important meetings that have shaped our nation’s history through present day.