DAVENPORT, Iowa — The QC's newest downtown destination, The Last Picture House, held its grand opening on Saturday, Dec. 9. The boutique cinema celebrated its opening with a special invite-only advanced screening of "The Iron Claw," which will be released nationwide on Dec. 22.
Located in Davenport's Motor Row District steps away from the Mississippi River, The Last Picture House features an art-deco-inspired movie-going experience for film lovers of all ages and tastes by Hollywood filmmakers and Iowa natives, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods.
The cinema boasts two state-of-the-art studios, a cocktail lounge, a collection of rare film art and props, and a seasonal rooftop bar and outdoor screening space that overlooks the historic Arsenal Bridge, Mississippi River, and the Motor Row District. The filmmaking duo say the features of the theater are an inspiration of many other theaters in the world such as in Los Angeles and Ireland.
The cinema showcases first-run movies along with independent, international, classic, and cult films with Dolby Atmos surround sound, laser and 35mm projection, and balcony seating.
“We’re thrilled to bring a theater to downtown Davenport that is inspired by our favorite cinemas around the world,” co-owner and filmmaker Bryan Woods said. “The ownership team, also including Pete Stopulos, Jens Baker, Julia Glausi, and Christy Beck, has spent years orchestrating a creative space to host special industry guests, showcase movie art and props, enjoy rooftop screenings along the Mississippi, and curate unique events that guests would usually only experience in global entertainment meccas.”
“Bryan Woods and I have always dreamed of opening a world-class movie theater in our hometown. We’ve designed The Last Picture House to be a cinematic oasis in the Midwest that caters to cinephiles, casual-goers, and families alike,” added co-owner and filmmaker Scott Beck. "To be working on movies and build this theater, it just shows that our passion for the film industry is what drives us for all of our projects."
The building was built in the late 1800s and was the home to many QC businesses. Woods and Beck recall it once being a pawn shop that they would see when growing up in the area.
Pete Stopulos added, “This is beyond a passion project for me. It’s a tribute to my grandfather, Jim Stopulos, who created unique cinematic experiences in the Quad Cities area for nearly 25 years.”
More information regarding showtimes, operating hours, special events, and rentals at The Last Picture House can be found here.
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