Hosting your film screening at a museum is an amazing way to bring art to life. With their unique architecture and historic significance, museums have that special atmosphere that is impossible to experience anywhere else.
Films also have the power to enrich a particular exhibit or collection because they are also a piece of art. The combination of score, performance, and image ties everything together beautifully in a way that compliments any historical artwork.
Whether you’re looking to teach a lesson about a historical event or want to offer an extra activity for your patrons to do, a museum is the perfect place to come together and appreciate the beauty of art both on and off the screen.
How do you host a movie screening at a museum?
The first step to hosting your screening is deciding which type of museum you would like your screening to be at. History or art? Then select a date and time for it to take place, as well as which part of the museum you would like it to be in. Things to consider are the number of people in attendance and the location or proximity to a particular exhibit or piece of art.
Next, you will need to secure public performance rights in order to screen your film of choice. Public performance rights are the legal rights to screen your film of choice, as these are not always included when you purchase the film. Read more about how you can acquire them here.
How much does it cost to host a movie screening?
While planning a film screening is exciting, it isn't free.
Purchasing public performance rights can vary between 200 and 400 dollars. You will also need to factor in the potential cost of renting the room and any necessary equipment. Finally, consider setting aside a budget for food or drinks to really enhance the viewing experience.
What do you need for a movie screening?
The room you rent may already have seating available, but if not, this is something you will need to provide. Next, you will need to make sure you have a way to display your film, such as a projector, screen, and most likely a computer or tablet that the film will need to be played from.
Consider whether you will have your guests enter with pre-bought tickets or pay for admission at the door, and whether you would like to have reserved seating. Finishing touches could include food or drink if the museum allows it, and fun decorations such as twinkle lights or soft music to add to the ambiance before the screening begins. This is your chance to make your event as special as you imagined!
Whatever your organization, there are countless themes you can do and films that will align with your vision perfectly. If you can’t seem to think of any or don’t have a particular idea in mind, consider some of these museum-themed titles for your screening:
Night at the Museum
The DaVinci Code
National Treasure
How to Steal a Million
Museum Hours
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off