It’s one of less than 50 movie theaters in the world that has the capability to screen films in any format — as originally intended.

Located inside the Library of Congress’ National Audio-Visual Conservation Center in Culpeper, Virginia, the theater is open to anyone from the public. The Library screens films three days per week, most weeks of the year, and a lot of the films they show are original prints that can be found in the physical media vaults of the 45-acre campus.

The auditorium space itself is totally unique, with an elegant, timeless style including red velvet cushions, wood paneling and a pit area for an organ player to perform the scores of old silent films they often screen.

The central mission of the Packard Campus Theater is to preserve the traditional filmgoing experience.

In today’s episode of “Matt About Town,” head projectionist David March took WTOP behind the scenes in a way that few ever get to experience.

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