CORONA — It's back to the future for movies in Queens.
A drive-in movie theater using junked-up cars and salvaged materials is rolling into the borough next month as part of an art installation designed to engage the public in discussions about car culture and "planned obsolescence."
The Empire Drive-In is a large, temporary installation that uses junked cars and salvaged materials to bring their drive-in movie exhibit around the country.
It will set up outside the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park from Oct. 4 to Oct. 20, and visitors can participate in discussions and watch films in old cars.
The installation, reported by Gothamist, shows movies on a big screen, but it's also a way for people to participate in a series of questions about "car culture, planned obsolescence, and the distinction between public and private space," according to the artists' site.
The Oct. 4 kickoff will feature Greg Saunier of the band Deerhoof accompanied by 30 pianists playing on Casio keyboards.
Three films, including "One Week" starring Buster Keaton, "One A.M" starring Charlie Chaplin and "Over the Edge" with Matt Dillon will be shown.
The nightly programming will also include a slideshow of industrial images by photographer Stephen Mallon, who's photographed everything from old subway cars and large tankers.
The Empire Drive-In begins Oct. 4 and runs through Oct. 20 outside the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, 47-01 111th St., Corona. Programming begins at 7 p.m. and costs $15 per person, and $10 for NYSCI members.
