Anyone who has passed through Monte Rio along the Russian River cannot help but notice the Rio Theater - a quirky movie theater housed in a Quonset hut. A mural depicting the area adorns the outside while inside top rated motion pictures are screened for short runs usually two or more weeks after their initial release.

History:

Local merchant, Sid Bartlett, started building the theater in 1949, and completed it in 1950. It was built from a surplus World War II Quonset hut but it was never actually used in the war. Inside today, the ceiling is lined with remnants of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's Running Fence art project (c. 1972-1976) that stretched white nylon fabric over 24 miles from Hwy 101 to the Sonoma coast. Also inside, local art depicting the area's rich history adorn the walls.

Showtime:

When a show is playing, the concession stand up front serves wonderful "theater faire" including hot dogs with sauerkraut. But when a movie isn't playing, "Don's Dogs Cafe" is open at the back side of the building for breakfast and lunch 5 days of the week with a larger menu selection.

Time Period Represented: 1950's through today.

Hours Open: Wed-Sat: 9am to 9pm, Sun: 9am to 7pm, Closed: Mon-Tue

Visitor Fees: Shows starting at $5/person

Seasons Open: Year round