An old classy theater featuring artistic and classical cinema, great treasure! Definitely a must go place for cinephiles. The interior decoration is just mesmerizing.The ticket is about $7 and cash only.I watched Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai” there and was a massive experience.

What a fun experience watching James Stewart in a movie theater built in the 1920s. Plenty of parking nearby. Comfortable seats. And a good discount opportunity for tickets.One adult ticket is $7, but the better deal is to buy a Gift Certificate for $24, which is good for four admissions. If you’ll be in the area for more movies, save a dollar on each ticket by getting the gift certificate.A great date night.

Such a cool place to see a real flicker show (that would be Reel to reel) where you can see the lines in the movie (so cool) tonight we saw James Stewart in the After the thin man. The move was a murder mystery, who done it, comedy. Soo funny.The inside of the theatre is so beautiful, brings you back to the times when watching a movie was a lot more than sitting in a seat. After the 5:40 show they have a person playing A Wurlitzer organ in front of the main curtains.The inside is very nostalgic with lots of old movie posters throughout. They also have a concession stand and when you buy the tickets it’s old-school with one person in the middle of the aisle behind a glass partition. I’ll be back for sure.

Classy old cinema! Great for date-night. Definitely a must go place. Tickets are about $7. Get a mojito across the street before the movie.

One of the best cinema where i have ever been. The auditorium itself is very nice. Huge and airy where is so easy to forget about everything and lost in the magic of the cinema. The screen large. The stereo organ and the play in breaks. The cheap snacks and the cool old posters are also great. The old ticket machine with the cheap entrance to be able to stay for two shows. No ads trailers nothing only pure cinema how it should be. Movies are start on time. Staff is nice and friendly. And these are only the half of the five star... The other half is for the program. Not many cinema has such a great program

Old world movie watching experience. Watched Dracula, the 1930s film during the Halloween weekend. The theater added to the spooky feel.

The Stanford theater is a unique remnant of the cinematic past. Weve been going there since I was young. The architecture is rich and decorative. The popcorn is hot and buttery. The organist is exciting. And the films are as they were a century ago.

The theater itself is visually breathtaking, just like their damn prices! All movie tickets, popcorn, candies, & beverages are wayyy more affordable than regular movie theaters. As a broke college student myself, I love asking men out on dates here since its so affordable and romantic! xoxo :)

I have been coming to the Stanford theater for over 25 years to enjoy classic movies. As a bonus, the tickets, candy, and popcorn are all super cheap. They must lose a lot of money, but clearly it is a labor of love and I hope they never close.

One of our Favorite places to watch, a old time Classic. Christmas time is Magical!!!!!

Stanford Theatre is a live museum of movies. Classics from the golden era are constantly on rotation. The functional Mighty Wurlitzer is played live during intermissions, as well as on Wednesday silent films. In fact, you can visit a display museum before or between shows.During the school year, I would bring my daughter here on some Wednesdays just for one show and experience the Wurlitzer. But if you have three hours between 5:50pm and 11pm, the theatre offers double feature every day on three show slots for only $7. (If you dont mind watching one film twice - or if that first one is particularly appealing, you can stay for all three shows.) Concession is also much, much cheaper than in any commercial theatre.Yes, the theatre is now run by a nonprofit that also engages in preserving and restoring films. Come often and you may watch newly restored movies live that you cannot get anywhere else.Located in the centre of downtown Palo Alto, easy nearby parking, and walking distance from Caltrain station all make it a very appealing place to visit. And revisit. And revisit. Oh, did I mention that the interior is meticulously preserved and maintained? A stroll inside the building is itself a rich experience. (Dont know what a Wurlitzer is or never heard one played? You owe yourself a trip down here.)

This amazing, historic theater provides a healthy respite in an otherwise new-age geographic area filled with tech and innovation.The tapestries and decor instantly transport you to a time gone by; a different, slower, and more deliberate time.Speaking of time going by, saw Casablanca there. Perfection.

My favorite place in Palo Alto. Two old movies in one night only for 7$? Yes, please!!! Will always come back here ️

So much fun. Quaint, yet splendid in decor and entertainment. The organ was quite a treat. Really yummy popcorn too.

Great theater to see the classics. Wizard of Oz...on the big silver screen. Fresh on site popped corn with real butter. You cannot go wrong.

Nostalgic atmosphere that was pleasant. Concession stand is very affordable. Tickets are cash only, $7 for adults and $5 for youth and seniors. Only downside is not having a schedule of which movies will be playing next. Love the whole movie experience though!

Super fun spot in Palo Alto for seeing classic films. The theatre is enormous and takes you back in time! Organ music before and after the movie is a real treat. This place is a hidden gem for an inexpensive and fun date night.

Original theater in beautiful condition. All oldies films. Live organ played between shows.

Nostalgia! Very quaint, very nice! But please.... The nasty chlorinated water for your fountain sodas.... Yuck! Otherwise, an awesome throwback experience! Ill be a regular!

An very convinient and nostalgic place to visit

What a wonderful experience... Piano and all... Nostalgic with the audience having to wait for reels to be loaded as only one projector was working. It added to the authenticity of the James Stewart festival experience. The interiors were gorgeous... Flashback to a more elegant and luxurious ambience!

They have a truly amazing collection of black and white and Technicolor films that you cant find anywhere else. I enjoy the organ performance in between films as well.

Time travel experience even to the concession prices, feeling of community, live organist before and after vintage movies.

Great people. Good work.

Always awesome! Historic and beautiful place to watch classic films. A double feature for $6-$8!!

Oh I love the Stanford theater. Its GORGEOUS inside, and I really enjoy seeing older movies on the big screen. The Its a Wonderful Life showing on Christmas eve is hands down amazing. So fun.

A comfortable environment to see classic cinema. The pop up movie theatre organ is a must listen to. It was not a crowded theater

The theatre is gorgeous, still in its original style, with a magnificent organ. The tickets are super cheap for both children and adults, and the popcorn/drinks are also really cheap. Its an amazing, authentic experience. Great film showings; my friends and I have watched Hitchcocks Vertigo and Rear Window, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington(all featuring James Stewart). The website for the theatre itself says, The Stanford Theatre Foundation is dedicated to bringing back the authentic movie-going experience of Hollywoods Golden Age. Classic Hollywood directors never intended you to watch their pictures on a video screen in your living room (or while jogging). The magic of the movies depends on a larger-than-life image and the shared reactions of a large audience.

If you like old movies this is the bomb! What a great place to see an Alfred Hitchcocks Rear Window.

Ive been going here for years its nostalgic and very fun to go with friends! The sound system is not what new theaters offer but you can never discount a comfortable and memorable fun movie theater.

Gorgeous theatre kept in its original decor (1925.) Magnificent organ with all its original bells and whistles. Organ players are hired to play during intermission. People come from all around to hear it, and to see these films on big screen. Wonderful films from olden days 1960s and earlier. Mostly American classic films. (On a very rare occasion, old classic Indian films, by a particular famous director.) Wheelchair accessible, including restrooms. Inexpensive candies, drinks, and popcorn. This place is quite a gem, and very popular among the locals and visitors. Inexpensive tickets to see two great movies. Thank you Mr. Packard & family! The Stanford Theatre is dedicated to bringing back the movie-going experience of Hollywoods Golden Age. Parking available in front and on the sides of the street, and in back - which also includes Handicap Parking (also near the Aquarius Theatre.) Check online for films playing and times.

Worth just walking around the lobby, its like stepping back in time - the renovations and upkeep are incredible. Tons of original movie posters and a rotating exhibit of ephemera in the gallery. How many theaters have a live organist? One of the best values in Palo Alto with tickets at only $7 and a large tub of popcorn for only $3

Nice weekend escape. :) Didnt know any of those movies, and was very pleasantly surprised!

Everybody should experience the magic of the Stanford Theater. These old movies come to life on the silver screen. We have seen so many of the classics here and love each experience. Seniors like us need to take younger folks with us occasionally to show them what it used to be like in the golden days of Hollywood. Youngsters simply marvel at the fellow playing the enormous Mighty Wurlitzer organ.

I thoroughly enjoy the theater movie tonight also the theater itself . Im glad that some things have not changed I will go back again.

Best theater! Love visiting this place.

Unique theater that serves coffee & offers classics. Must visit in Palo Alto! We saw Casablanca

The theatre is kept in perfect condition. You feel like in Back to the future. They play the organ in between movies.

Cool old fashioned theater. Watched a movie with some friends and had a great time. Tickets for adults were $7 each. Got 2 large drinks and a popcorn for $5. CASH ONLY

A classic theatre... Soft lush carpets, warm welcome smile, popcorn and old classics... What not sure one need to unwind on a weekend ... Theres a guy who plays awesomely at the start of every movie and then disappears with his instrument down as the curtain rises

Love this theater. A great family experience

I have been wanting to go here for years and finally made it. What an experience! Great architecture, prices, lighting, an movies. Not to mention live music played on the organ. A classy experience all the way around. Just wish I lived a little closer.

I love the old classic movies. Popped corn is good, and the prices are great. $5. Senior adult $7. and you can get popped corn & drink for $3.

An organ comes up from the stage with a guy playing before the show, he plays, then it descends again before the red curtains open. Classy.

Great place to see Its a Wonderful Life.

Old theater with balcony and great old movies including The African Queen, Its A Wonderful Life and Robin Hood with Errol Flynn. Double features. Live organ playing before the 7:30 PM shows. Old movie posters and memories on display. When Breakfast at Tiffanys plays ladies in the audience appear dressed as Holly. Popcorn made as you watch. Curtains roll up then out. Fancy lights. What a great place. $5 & $7 tickets.

A local gem. Plays a variety of classic movies, primarily weekend nights. Before and after the 7 o’clock show they have an organist that rises out of the floor and amazes on the Wurlitzer. The movie poster collection is also impressive. If there is an old movie that you would have loved to have seen on the big screen, Stanford is a great option. Great food options nearby for before or after as well.

A wonderful, retro, fun loving movie theatre. I love the old movies, the organ player between movies, and the ultra retro ticket and popcorn prices. It is a beautiful theatre. Thank you David Packard for funding this Palo Alto treasure.

Great place screening classics. $5 for a ticket, cash only. Really spacious and beautiful inside, the organ player is a bonus. Definitely come here for a good cinematic throwback.

I only recently started going to this venue and learning about its rich, colorful history. The theater is very affordably priced, from the tickets to the concessions, and the staff here are all friendly connoisseurs of classic film, and of course, the Stanford Theatre itself.Neighborhood parking is free in the evenings, and the little museum next door features great vintage posters and film stills and other items of curiosity pertaining to the films being screened that weekend or festival.The interior of the theater is clean, beautiful and well-cared for, and the pipe organ performance before each screening is always a treat. My friends and I are always the youngest people there, but I hope this review encourages people of all ages to check out the theater and/or keep going to it, so that Stanford Theatre can continue to enthrall audiences for decades to come. The best place to watch any of the classics, and a new favorite for me.Thanks, Stanford Theatre!

I love seeing an old classic film at The Stanford Theatre. I highly recommend it for a cheap date. Ticket prices and snacks are super affordale. They only accept cash, so come prepared with cash in hand. The theater is beautiful, and you get to hear live organ music as a prelude to the movie. Theres also a small museum area where you can look at old movie posters and newspaper clippings.

Great cinema restoration. Nice experience overall. The organ recital before the movie was especially enjoyable.

A wonderful and a unique experience. The average age of the crowd is easily 50+, so dont mind the loud laughters.. It quite cute actually! Please make sure to take cash as they dont accept cards.

Vintage films in a wonderful vintage venue, live organist! Feel the past come alive at this local treasure. Ive been a fan for two decades.

Okay, during the week the line doesnt go out the door, down the street and around the corner. But weekends are sometimes a different story. Parking is difficult to find close to the theater but its not a long walk from anywhere in this downtown area. Snack bar is reasonable, tickets too.

Great Kirosawa movies last week!

Its a pretty nice place and it has plenty of room. Usually not that much crowded. So if you want to watch an old black and white movie, this is the place.

Very nice and historical place. Shows old movies and has a musician playing the orgue. Highly recommend this place. Seats are comfortable. Popcorn and soft drinks available. Theres also a room with old movie posters.

Beautiful theater. Fun to come by and see a double feature. (were featuring Alfred Hitchcock - directed movies)

Hollywood era movie theater. New, but old, movies every week. Live organ played between screenings. Really cool experience!

Best old movies and you cant beat the price.

If you want to remember the theater feeling from when you were a kid, then spend a few bucks and enjoy a Saturday matinee

Beautifully restored theater, fantastic experience each and every time we go.

I just cant help keep going there! Wonderful place.

Wonderful experience, great seats anywhere, very cheap, crowds are always respectful. A must for any fan of classic movies.

Classic and elegant movie theater. Enjoyed the live on-stage organ music before the showing of Psycho!

Great selection of classic films shown how the directors intended

A lovely theater. Very fun place to see great classic movies.

Greatest movies ever made in a beautiful theater. Live music played on the Mighty Wurlitzer between shows. Ticket: $6. Popcorn: $2.50 for a large bucket. Whats not to like?

For the summer, the wife and I fly in from Texas just to see movies here. I see about 20 movies here a year. Too bad Hollywood has forgotten how to make these kinds of terrific movies. Casablanca, The Day The Earth Stood Still, Three Smart Girls, Wizard of Oz, The Ten Commandments are just a few I have seen here.I have a VERY nice Home Theater at my house (its Texas remember). The Stanford Theater is 10 times more more fun. Soft red velvet seats, and Carpeted floors. The art deco is fabulous. It was great to hear the organist play between movies. This is how to see a classic movie. Tickets are only $7, (I would happily pay $25.) If you want to continue your nostalgic experience with food, I strongly recommend the nearby Palo Alto Creamery Fountain Grill.Thanks to David Packard for what hes accomplished with this marvelous time-capsule! (Rich people can be handy sometimes.) I have traveled the world, and never seen an equal to the Stanford Theater. If you live nearby then visit as often as you can. Dont sit at home and watch these movies on your TV. See them on the big screen, like they were meant to be seen!I was shocked at some of the comments that admission is cash only. Folks, NEVER leave the house without at least $50 of REAL money in your pocket!I do wish they would show more 1950s science fiction in the Summer.Go to the Stanford Theater, you will rediscover the joy of going to the movies! On a scale of 1 to 10, this place is a 15. Not a fan of classic cinema? You will be..... you will be.

Terrific gem. Retro decor and movies. Prices reasonable. Not AMC corporate grab.

Wonderful, specially the organist!!! A nice treat!

Its beautiful inside...but remember they ONLY TAKE CASH ...NO credit card

A great old style theater with great old movies and extremely reasonable prices. Saw double bill with Casablanca and Maltese Falcon. Picture and sound everything one could ask for. Popcorn and some Red Vines set me back only $5! Seats are comfortable. After the show a live organist rose up from below the stage. What a great experience!

Good place to see old movies. Nice theater with affordable concessions. It’s downtown next to good shopping and restaurants.

Its a very nice theatre, that was recently remodeled, you have to check out the organ player.

The design of the theater and the great shape it is in makes any movie a special treat.

Beautiful theater, great prices, friendly staff, wonderful experience. I live in southern cali but try to come up a couple times a year and this will be one place i will include in my future visits from now on. Great place to go on a mother daughter date and you dont have to take out a loan to spend on concessions.

It’s no doubt a wonderful theater with live organ music, but have you ever tried to book tickets to their annual Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”? It’s so hush-hush under the table experience. They do not sell tickets on line and do not open their booth for sale until the day of the show but somehow their tickets magically disappear several days before Christmas. You also cannot talk to a anyone on the phone (just listenen to the prerecorded message, which tells you the tickets are all sold out!) I tried several years in the row to hunt for those mysterious tickets with no success. Could someone explain to me what is the process and how those fortunate ones get their tickets in advance? Are those all friends and family of Mr. Packard? There is absolutely no info on the theater website explaining the process. Incredibly frustrated.

Awesome experience to watch a movie here.

I always like seeing the organist rise up

Wonderful theater, in such great shape. Fantastic pipe organ, which rises from the floor. Saw a silent film with pipe organ accompaniment: amazing! Sounded like an entire orchestra including percussion. Convenient in down town. Parked in the nearby parking structure. Cash only at the concessions.

Best value and great films that should be seen on a big screen. Classic theater!

Amazing theater, cool film selection. Very affordable.

Unique nouveau architecture and fun movies of bygone eras. Select screening by invitation. See website for more.

Lovely old theatre thats very well maintained and really sets the mood .. felt like a walk down the past.. makes for a pretty awesome date night.

Great experience watching the classics! Makes it wonderful with the old architecture, cool old posters and yeah the butter popcorn and coke :)

Quaint lovely theatre, perfect for a cute date night or self time. Only taking away 1 star for it being cash only.

Saw Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock. Loved the beautiful old theater and the organist.

Love this old-timey theater. They show old movies at a reasonable price ($7) and serve popcorn for only$2.50. There is always a bunch of seating. They have a lot of old posters on display and often show double features.

Great experience! Beautiful theater. Step back in time. Practically free!

Saw African Queen and this was the perfect venue for it! We also loved the organ playing before and after the movie. And the concessions are a fantastic value!

This place is so cool! Old movie theater with nostalgic, gorgeous designs and love the old movies they show!

This is place is a treasure. Magnificent organ, classic 20s architecture, everyone should experience this place.

A gift of a theater. Spectacular movie selections. Close as it gets to time travel.

One of my favorite places on this planet! The movies are fantastic. They simply dont make them like they used to! The snacks priced at historical prices. The museum. The pipe organ. The entire experience is amazing. I highly recommend the Stanford Theatre!

This is one of the most charming places to view Hollywood Golden Age films. And the pop corn is great (and cheap). Look-out for Alfred Hitchcock films for an amazing night.

Perfect environment!! The plays that they do here is 100/10!! The popcorn is really good too and they are not bad of a price. Ever need to watch anything? Come to this theater. You wont regret it.

Amazing experience. Felt like I went back in time. Its a nice and very well preserved place.

Wonderful theater to watch a movie! The live music performance makes it novel!