Exploring Richmond: The Byrd Theatre

The 1,200-seat Byrd Theatre opened its doors in 1928 as “an architecturally sophisticated film-only venue in the city’s West End neighborhood,” according to its website. 

The first movie to play at the Byrd was a silent film called “Waterfront,” and it was shown on Christmas Eve. Movie tickets at the time were 25 cents for matinees, and 50 cents for an evening showing. 

Named after William Byrd, one of the founders of Richmond, the Byrd’s presence ultimately attracted crowds and storefronts to the area, leading to the development of the Carytown shopping district. The theater was designated as a Virginia Historic Landmark in 1977 and a National Historic Landmark in 1980. And in 2007, the Byrd Theatre Foundation purchased the theater from the Samuel Warren family with the intention of restoring and preserving the theater as a community resource. 

We love getting to know our city’s history and landmarks better, and in November 2023, Retex had the pleasure of hosting past clients at The Byrd Theater for a matinee showing of the cinematic classic, “The Sandlot.” 

PS: If you’re a Richmond homeowner in need of help with your roof, siding, windows, or gutters, give us a call at 804-258-6300. We’d love to provide you with a no-pressure free estimate.