See Degas, Picasso, Rembrandt and Van Gogh on the big screen at the Avalon Theatre

Still of Degas: A Passion for Perfection

The Avalon Theatre (5612 Connecticut Avenue), the District’s only nonprofit cinema, offers first-run films, Saturday activities for kids, and special series such as French Cinémathèque.

Great artists are the subjects of the latest series to come to the Avalon. J.D. Gray, the Avalon’s marketing coordinator, fills us in:

The Avalon Theatre is bringing some of history’s greatest artists and their famous works to the big screen, complete with expert commentary and a revealing look at the personalities behind the paintings.

The fine arts-focused documentary film series Exhibition on Screen has quickly become one of the cinema’s most popular programs. While highlighting famous art exhibitions and museums from around the world, Exhibition on Screen features a visually stunning presentation of some of the world’s most celebrated master works and provides audiences with a glimpse at the lives of the artists who made them.

“These films are finding a great home with our smart, well-educated audience,” says Avalon Theatre Executive Director Bill Oberdorfer. “There’s something special about seeing these masterful pieces of art and hearing the artists’ life stories at our historic theatre.”

The 2018-2019 season will shine a light on Degas, Picasso, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. Filmed on-site at locations around the world, these films show you the inspiration and influences behind the artists’ memorable work.

Films screen twice only, on Sundays and Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. These screenings are popular, and it is recommended that those wanting to attend purchase tickets in advance.

The next film in the Exhibition on Screen series will be Degas: Passion for Perfection on Sunday, November 11 and Tuesday, November 13. This film tells the story of Edgar Degas through the letters he wrote and the words of those that knew him and his work.

A list of upcoming Exhibition on Screen titles and dates:

Degas: Passion for Perfection
Sunday, November 11 and Tuesday, November 13

Young Picasso
Sunday, February 17 and Tuesday, February 19

Rembrandt
Sunday, April 14 and Tuesday, April 16

Van Gogh and Japan
Sunday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 11

Special Event Pricing:

Sunday: $15 ($12 for Avalon Members)
Tuesday: $9.25 ($7.25 for Avalon Members)

The senior discount is not available for these films.