In 2013 a small group of people led by Matt and Kate Blakeslee decided it was time for Billings, MT to have their very own independent cinema. At the time, so many films were coming out that never saw the light of day in Montana’s largest city and that just didn’t feel right. The belief and hope was this vision was not unique to this small group, but that many in Billings would respond to a unique space to not only watch films, but connect around their experience. Whether that was a great film, another form of art presented in the space, or just a general cultural connection, they believed this space would be a benefit to the community in large.

After finding the perfect downtown location at 109 North 30th Street, in the old Center Lanes Bowling Alley, in March of 2015 Art House Cinema & Pub opened its doors as a small micro-cinema showcasing 2-3 different films a week. People from all over the city came to check out off the beaten path hits like Neither Wolf Nor Dog, What We Do In The Shadows, Unbranded, or Meru. They not only enjoyed the films, but found that there’s a better way to go to the movies. A place that was professional and intentional in all it did. Slowly but surely more and more people found Art House, fell in love with the vision, became members, and invited friends and family to experience one of Montana’s best new movie theaters.

With their feet firmly planted in connecting Billings through great film, art and culture, Art House Billings decided it was time to step forward into their big crazy idea. What if Art House housed multiple screens, different kinds of film viewing experiences, a full food menu, and a space to hang out before and after films? This felt crazy at the time as nothing in Montana or the surrounding area existed, and there was concern if Billings was “ready” for something like this. Once again, belief in the community prevailed and Art House announced “Phase 2” with a $2 million fundraising goal to build out their current location to this full vision.

While stirring support and donations for this vision, in 2018 Art House was presented with the unique opportunity to take over the Historic Babcock Theatre for the City of Billings. With great honor and (once again) belief in community, Art House stepped into the then vacant theater (located one block away) to invest, stir support, and reopen the historic Billings landmark as the movie palace so many remember it as. Since reopening in November of 2018, the Babcock has become the go to place for big budget new releases along with a steady stream of classic films everyone needs to see on the big screen. The theater has also become a prime venue for outside parties to host screenings, events, concerts, presentations and more. The work at the Babcock has not only been an act of service towards our city’s history and personality, but has brought more awareness and connection to Art House and the work they are doing in Billings. Movies are for everyone and whether it’s the indie gems played at Art House or the more mainstream spectacles at the Babcock, there’s something for everyone through Art House Billings.

In January 2022, ground was finally broken on the now long incubating “Phase 2” vision. The budget and financial landscape continued to change, but through dozens of volunteers giving 100’s of hours to the project, Art House Cinema & Pub was able to reopen its newly expanded doors in November of 2023 for a fraction of the potential costs projected.

This fulfillment of the vision only continues to affirm the Art House Billings team belief; Billings will respond to a unique space to not only watch films, but connect around their experience. Billings will respond to things done with excellence and intention. Billings is ready to set the tone for what is possible with film, art and culture.