Smith Rafael Film Center History
The Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center has been a recognizable landmark in downtown San Rafael since the early 20th century. Some of the key dates in its history are listed below.
1920 - The Orpheus theater opens, priding itself on “showing pictures of merit and musical selections."
1937 - Fire in the theater. Orpheus closes for renovations.
1938 - Theater re-opens. An Art Deco palace with grand staircase, new and improved projectors, Henry Martins murals and a new name: “The Rafael.”
1989 - Loma Prieta Earthquake! Theater closes.
1993 - San Rafael Redevelopment Agency and Film Institute of Northern California (now the California Film Institute) join forces to revive theater.
1995 - San Rafael Planning commission votes unanimously to approve the Rafael Film Center Project.
1996 - Film Institute announces capital campaign.
1997 - Construction on Rafael begins under the direction of nationally renowned architect Mark Cavagnero.
1999 - Rafael Film Center Opens to the public April 16.
2003 - April, name changed to Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center.
Addtional History Information
Photo credits: Marin County Historical Society, William D. French, Jr., & CFI
