Immersive Film and Robins Theater Update

A diverse collaboration of people have been working from across the country to create the Museum’s new immersive film in its Robins Theater, opening spring 2022.

We are eager to bring this film experience to our Historic Tredegar location and transport visitors through the causes, course, and aftermath of the Civil War in ways that make the rich, complex, and deeply human stories of the era come alive.

Excited to see the film in person? Stay tuned for more information, including official opening dates in spring 2022.

Chris Graham, ACWM Curator of Exhibitions, onset during filming

Courtesy of Solid Light

Here is a snapshot of the wide range of work underway since our last update in April 2021.

AUGUST

Kansas City, MO: Staff from the Museum and the film’s creator, Solid Light, filmed live-action sequences on a soundstage in Missouri with period film production experts, Wide Awake Films. Seasoned filmmakers and historians alike were particularly moved by the performances of the actors, and the anticipated impact of the scenes will have layered with all of the film’s other components.

SEPTEMBER

Richmond, VA: General contractor Whiting Turner began fit-out construction of the theater space, including reworking air ducts, building out walls and wiring, and adding drywall to the walls and ceiling.

SEPTEMBER

Louisville, KY: Museum staff visited Solid Light’s offices to see a 50%-scale version of the film’s dual screens, as well as preview the film’s score, narrator, voice actors, animated maps, and preliminary edits. Staff were struck by the cumulative impact of the film’s components assembled together, especially the unexpectedly refreshing score, to make an already powerful story even more moving.

OCTOBER

Charlottesville, VA: Museum staff visited the University of Virginia’s library to wrap up gathering historical images and archival material featured in the film, blended with the live action footage and computer-generated animations. In all, Museum and Solid Light staff pulled material such as cased images, newspaper headlines, broadsides, pamphlets, maps, and political cartoons from the Museum’s collection as well as others from around the county.

NOVEMBER 2021 - FEBRUARY 2022

Richmond, VA: The theater construction continues, preparing the space for Solid Light to build the screens and install theatrical equipment in early 2022.