The Yosemite Theater is used eight hours a day, 365 days a year by education- and youth-program participants, park scientists, local and visiting experts, and the visiting public. Each year, more than half a million visitors watch Spirit of Yosemite, and tens of thousands more attend other programs and events in the theater. Over the years, that near-constant use took a toll on the theater system, causing it to fail frequently and negatively affect visitors’ experiences. 

In 2014, anticipating the Yosemite and National Park Service anniversary events, the Conservancy funded a full upgrade of the theater’s audio and visual systems, replacing the old model with a state-of-the-art system that produces spectacular pictures and sound. This project also refurbished the theater foyer and installed a digital marquee, creating an inviting entrance that reflects the quality of the events and films inside.

With your help, the Yosemite Theater is offering consistent, high-quality and engaging experiences are for park visitors in every season.

Shelton Johnson

Park Ranger, Author and Performer

Project Notes

This is our theater of granite and sky … where a climber hangs above the world, while below a celebrated naturalist tells the story of his life, a Buffalo Soldier wanders close by on patrol, and a man remembers through song the romance of a Yosemite that was. Here, there’s always tension in the cliffs and waterfalls, and tales of great adventure play out in the darkness of night.