When I moved to Fort Worth a few years ago, I had the hardest time finding where I could watch independent films, documentaries and old movies. I couldn’t find anything…so I gave up.
Months later, David and I went to the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth to do research for a class I was teaching on art, beauty, and comparing traditional and modern art. While visiting The Modern, I realized the museum also housed a movie theater, Magnolia at the Modern . It shows the exact films I was looking for, and is conveniently located in Fort Worth’s Cultural District
Inside the Theater
Our first viewing was on a cold Sunday. Before the Academy Awards, the Magnolia at the Modern features many of the films and documentaries nominated. We enjoyed a series of short documentaries. These films were incredibly thought provoking and engaging. It was such a great way to engage the world in a different way as each of the three films we saw were from different countries. As we plan our activities, we often check the films showing at the Magnolia.
The Modern offers many series such as the National Theatre Live, ArtHouse-FW and Movies that Matter as well as films from several film festivals. On the first Friday of each month at 10:00 pm, the ArtHouse-FW Late Night Series shows classic films. The “classic” I am most looking forward to is Gremlins, which will be shown in April! I can’t wait!
The Grand Lobby
The museum’s information desk sells movie tickets two hours prior to each show. Magnolia at the Modern tickets cost $9 and $7 for Modern members. The show Sunday at noon is half price. The only downside is you cannot purchase the tickets online. I always like to get the tickets ahead to make plans, especially for groups.
Other series like National Theatre Live and ArthouseFW-Late Night vary in price and often have advance purchasing available. Check their website for schedules and pricing.
If you want to be committed at a deeper level, join Reel People at The Modern. Benefits include discounted ticket prices, advance ticket purchase by phone, invitations to special events featuring filmmakers, critics, and scholars and advance notification of films. The tricky part is in order to be a Reel People member, you must also have a Modern membership. Reel People is an additional $35 a year.
If you know of other places in town that show critically acclaimed films, share it with us in the comments section.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
It has been years since I have trekked back to the Fort Worth Cultural District. Man some good growing up memories there. I’ll have to request a personal tour with you guys so you can show me all the new good stuff!
I love it!! And Fort Worth missed you! Let us know when you are in town.