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Nestled in the heart of downtown San Antonio, the Majestic Theatre stands as a testament to the grandeur and magic of a bygone era. Since its opening on June 14, 1929, this architectural masterpiece has captivated audiences with its rich history and breathtaking design.
The Majestic Theatre owes its existence to the visionary collaboration between theater magnate Karl St. John Hoblitzelle and the renowned architect John Eberson. Having previously joined forces to create Majestic Theatres in other cities, including Houston and Dallas, the duo set their sights on San Antonio. With a budget of $3 million, they embarked on a project that would redefine entertainment in the region.
At its inception, the Majestic Theatre was nothing short of a marvel. With a seating capacity exceeding 3,700, it claimed the title of the South’s largest movie house and the nation’s second-largest. It was also a pioneer in technology, boasting the latest in lighting, sound, and the distinction of being Texas’ first fully air-conditioned theater.
The Majestic’s exterior is a testament to its grandeur, featuring an expansive cast iron canopy, a dazzling marquee, and a sumptuous theater box office crafted from marble and cast iron. Rising fourteen stories high, the majestic building was crowned with a seventy-six-foot-long “Majestic” vertical sign, illuminated by an impressive 2,400 lamps.
Upon entering the Majestic, patrons were transported into a world of enchantment. Architect John Eberson blended Spanish Mission, Baroque, and Mediterranean styles, creating an atmospheric theater that felt like stepping into a courtyard of a castle. The lobby, adorned with inlaid tiles, copper lanterns, statues, murals, and even a large aquarium, was a masterpiece in its own right.
Eberson’s attention to detail knew no bounds. The auditorium’s vaulted ceiling, painted to resemble a nighttime sky with twinkling stars and moving clouds, was a masterpiece created by a Viennese Brenograph machine. Real stars’ positions were consulted with National Geographic before opening.
The Majestic Theatre was also home to a menagerie of stuffed birds, from white doves to colorful parrots, creating an atmosphere of wonder. Spanish cypress trees imported from Italy, palms from South America, and an array of native Texan flora completed the captivating scenery.
The grand opening of the Majestic Theatre marked the beginning of “Prosperity Month” in San Antonio, with a star-studded event featuring the movie “Follies of 1929” and live performances that left audiences in awe.
Over the years, the Majestic Theatre continued to host an array of entertainment, from movie premieres to vaudeville acts and performances by iconic stars. In 1974, the theater briefly closed its doors but was later restored and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1988, the city of San Antonio purchased the Majestic building, and The Majestic Empire Foundation took on the task of restoring it to its original 1929 glory. The $4.5 million restoration was completed in 1989, and the Majestic Theatre once again became a hub of cultural activity, hosting the San Antonio Symphony and a wide range of performing arts events.
Recognized as a Texas Historic Landmark in 1991 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993, the Majestic Theatre has continued to evolve. In 1996, a stagehouse expansion project allowed the theater to accommodate larger productions, ushering in a new era of entertainment.
Today, the City of San Antonio entrusts the Majestic Theatre to The Majestic Empire Foundation and it is operated by Ambassador Theatre Group as it continues to be a cultural cornerstone of San Antonio. From world-class musicians to beloved comedians and top Broadway productions, the Majestic Theatre remains a beacon of entertainment, enchanting audiences with its timeless charm and historical significance.
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