Decades of Film Exhibit in The Fralin’s Little Museum of Art

The Exhibit

Michael Nagy presents “Decades of Film" December 10, 2025 through spring 2026, at The Fralin Museum of Art's Little Museum of Art at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

The exhibit is a mixed-media installation featuring six 3D models of movie theaters on display in the Little Museum, plus a short film linked to each piece through this website (via QR code), highlighting the history of theaters and film. The project was created to showcase the changing architecture and varieties of theaters, and to illustrate the different genres and styles of films made popular over the last century.

The 3D Models and Films

There are six 3D models in total, each created using modeling software and sent to a 3D printer, where it was printed using printable plastic.

In addition to the models, there are six short films. The films were written, directed, and edited by Michael Nagy with the acting help of family, friends, and neighbors. Each mimics a style of film from the decade it is associated with, using modern film techniques, digital cameras, and audio equipment.

The Artist

Michael Nagy holds a B.S. in Digital Film Production and has been a lifelong fan of the motion picture. “I wanted to share my love of film with everyone. I go to a lot of movies and I saw my first one at the Jefferson Theater, back when it would show films in the '80s.” Michael believes theaters are special, and says “There is nothing like walking into the El Capitan theater in LA for the first time. It’s just a magical experience.”

More of Michael's work can be seen at https://designimagined.com.