Welcome to the Richmond Animation Festival, proudly hosted at the historic Byrd Theatre! Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2019, the Byrd Theatre stands as one of the nation's grand movie palaces, a State and National Historic landmark nestled in the heart of Richmond, Virginia. Named after William Byrd, one of the city's founders, this 1,200-seat treasure has retained its opulent 1920s charm, offering a unique cinematic experience unlike any other.

Unlike many of its contemporaries, the Byrd Theatre has stood the test of time, maintaining its original appearance and function since 1928. The theatre opened its doors with the screening of Waterfront, a silent movie with added sound, on Christmas Eve. 

In 2007, The Byrd Theatre Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, acquired the theatre with the mission to preserve and restore it as a vital community resource. Since then, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to integrate cultural, educational, and community events into the theatre's programming, ensuring that the Byrd Theatre remains a beloved institution for generations to come.

Join us at the Richmond Animation Festival, where the magic of animation meets the grandeur of the Byrd Theatre for an unforgettable cinematic experience!