AVALON — Catalina Island is once again set to embrace its rich cultural roots with a cinematic twist, as the Catalina Museum for Art & History presents two unique events celebrating silent film and classic Hollywood. Set against the historic backdrop of Avalon, this year’s Silent Film Showcase promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience for film lovers, history buffs, and island visitors alike.
The festivities kick off with Silent Film Showcase Opening Night on Friday, May 16, 2025. Guests are invited to the Catalina Museum’s Ackerman Family Amphitheater for a special 3-D screening of Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954) — the final installment in the classic Universal Monsters series. The film will begin at 8:00 p.m., and general admission is just $10, which includes a pair of collectible 3-D glasses. As a unique note in film history, this event marks what is believed to be the first time both the first and last Universal Monsters films are being shown as part of a connected series.
The celebration continues the following afternoon with the 38th Annual Silent Film Showcase on Saturday, May 17, held inside the storied Avalon Casino Theatre. Doors open at 1:00 p.m., with the screening starting at 1:30 p.m. This year’s showcase honors the 100th anniversary of The Phantom of the Opera (1925), the silent horror masterpiece starring Lon Chaney in his legendary role. The film’s enduring influence on cinematic horror makes it a fitting centerpiece for this milestone event.
What truly elevates the experience is the live musical accompaniment by acclaimed silent film composer Michael Mortilla, who, along with a skilled ensemble, will perform a live score to match the film’s haunting atmosphere. Ticket prices are $25 for general admission, $20 for museum members, and $10 for children.
These events are more than just a tribute to classic cinema — they reflect the Catalina Island Museum’s enduring mission to collect, preserve, and promote the culture and history of Santa Catalina Island. As “an anchor of tradition and a beacon of culture,” the museum has worked for decades to bring unique exhibitions and meaningful cultural experiences to the island community and visitors from around the world. The museum also honors the Tongva peoples — the original and current caretakers of this land — and acknowledges its role in preserving not just art and history, but also heritage and respect for the island’s earliest stewards.
From chilling 3-D creatures to silent film legends, Catalina Island’s film showcase offers a memorable way to experience the island’s past through the lens of Hollywood history. For tickets and additional details, visit www.catalinamuseum.org.
