Aero Theatre

The Aero Theatre, its name a tribute to the aerospace industry, was built by the Douglas Aircraft Company. The Streamline Moderne-styled theatre was designed by architect R.M. Woolpert and originally opened its doors to moviegoers in 1940. In 2005, the American Cinematheque spearheaded a renovation of the theatre and re-opened as the Max Palevsky Theatre at the Aero in Santa Monica. The theatre was updated again in 2019 and 2021 with new projection equipment, enhanced sound and facility upgrades.

American Cinematheque programs at the Aero Theatre include Advance Screenings, Retrospectives, Revivals, Restorations, in-person discussions with filmmakers, and the annual All-Night Horrorthon.

The American Cinematheque is an Associate Member of FIAF, the International Federation of Film Archives.

Now Showing at the Aero

Location & Details

1328 Montana Avenue,
Santa Monica, CA 90403
[email protected]

Max Palevsky Theatre: 425 Seats
Seating is unreserved

Screenings Formats

– 35mm
– 70mm
– DCP

PARKING

There is ample street parking on side streets around the theatre. Please park at your own discretion and be aware of signs for Restricted/Permit parking in the area. There is also metered parking on Montana Avenue. Parking restrictions are subject to change at any time without the knowledge of the American Cinematheque.

METRO

Metro provides Bus and Rail transportation to the Aero Theatre:
Montana Avenue at 14th Street. Expo Line and bus (41)
17th Street/SMC Station Metro Stop (1.2 mile distance from Theatre)

For your best route or more info, visit the Metro Trip Planner or call Go Metro or (323) 466-3876

ACCESSIBILITY

The Aero Theatre is ADA accessible; we offer wheelchair seating with seats for both companions using wheelchairs and companions not using wheelchairs.

Accessible Restrooms:
The restroom in the main theatre lobby is wheelchair accessible.

Hearing Assist Headsets:
For ADA compliance, the Aero Theatre is equipped with ALS / Hearing Assist headsets for all analog Film / Digital / Live P.A. presentations.  The headsets amplify the volume of the soundtrack and/or live P.A. feed.

For DCPs (Digital Cinema Packages) that are equipped with Audio Descriptive and Closed Captioning tracks, we meet requirements for DCI Compliance with Audio Descriptive Channel and Cup Holder Mounted Closed Captioning Receivers.  For Audio Descriptive Channel, headsets provide a separate track that describes the movie, in addition to the actual soundtrack.  For Closed Captioning, a cup holder-mounted device displays the CC track.  (Audio Descriptive and Closed Captioning are not available for analog Films screenings.)

Audience members can request this equipment (either headsets and/or Closed Captioning devices) at the box office, and the manager on duty will assist them and provide instructions on the equipment’s use.