Majestic Theatre, San Antonio (must see)
The Majestic Theatre, located on E. Houston Street in downtown San Antonio, stands as a remarkable emblem of theatrical and architectural grandeur. Designed by John Eberson for Karl Hoblitzelle鈥檚 Interstate Theatres in 1929, it is the oldest and largest atmospheric theatre in San Antonio, seating 2,264 patrons. This masterpiece not only served as the first fully air-conditioned theatre in Texas but also represented cutting-edge innovation with state-of-the-art sound and projection equipment.
In its heyday, the Majestic Theatre was the largest in Texas and second only to Atlanta's Fox Theatre in the United States. Its opening on June 14, 1929, symbolized the city鈥檚 progressiveness, coinciding with San Antonio鈥檚 鈥淧rosperity Month.鈥� Attendees flocked to the theatre's grand opening, dressed in fur coats despite the summer heat, to enjoy the luxurious cool air and dazzling performances, including musical films, live acts, and star entertainers like Jimmie Rodgers.
The Majestic鈥檚 design reflects Eberson's signature atmospheric style. A vivid blue ceiling mimics a starlit evening sky, enhanced by a cloud projector and star-like bulbs positioned to match the actual constellations of the night it opened, as guided by the National Geographic Society. The opulent d茅cor includes Greek, Roman, and Renaissance sculptures, Spanish-imported cypress trees, and intricate Baroque carvings. Unique features like an 18-foot-tall vertical sign with a strutting peacock and an aquarium-filled lobby exemplify its charm.
Despite challenges during the Great Depression, the Majestic flourished as a haven for entertainment, offering a mix of films and live acts through the mid-20th century. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1993 and remains a Texas Historic Landmark, celebrated for its ornate architecture and cultural significance.
Today, the Majestic Theatre continues to captivate audiences with Broadway productions, concerts, and comedy shows, maintaining its legacy as San Antonio鈥檚 premier performing arts venue and a cherished symbol of historical and cultural excellence.
In its heyday, the Majestic Theatre was the largest in Texas and second only to Atlanta's Fox Theatre in the United States. Its opening on June 14, 1929, symbolized the city鈥檚 progressiveness, coinciding with San Antonio鈥檚 鈥淧rosperity Month.鈥� Attendees flocked to the theatre's grand opening, dressed in fur coats despite the summer heat, to enjoy the luxurious cool air and dazzling performances, including musical films, live acts, and star entertainers like Jimmie Rodgers.
The Majestic鈥檚 design reflects Eberson's signature atmospheric style. A vivid blue ceiling mimics a starlit evening sky, enhanced by a cloud projector and star-like bulbs positioned to match the actual constellations of the night it opened, as guided by the National Geographic Society. The opulent d茅cor includes Greek, Roman, and Renaissance sculptures, Spanish-imported cypress trees, and intricate Baroque carvings. Unique features like an 18-foot-tall vertical sign with a strutting peacock and an aquarium-filled lobby exemplify its charm.
Despite challenges during the Great Depression, the Majestic flourished as a haven for entertainment, offering a mix of films and live acts through the mid-20th century. It became a National Historic Landmark in 1993 and remains a Texas Historic Landmark, celebrated for its ornate architecture and cultural significance.
Today, the Majestic Theatre continues to captivate audiences with Broadway productions, concerts, and comedy shows, maintaining its legacy as San Antonio鈥檚 premier performing arts venue and a cherished symbol of historical and cultural excellence.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Antonio. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Majestic Theatre on Map
Sight Name: Majestic Theatre
Sight Location: San Antonio, USA (See walking tours in San Antonio)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Antonio, USA (See walking tours in San Antonio)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Antonio, Texas
Create Your Own Walk in San Antonio
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Antonio is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
King William Historical District Tour
San Antonio鈥檚 first 鈥渟uburb鈥� and the very first historical district in Texas, revitalized during the 1960s, the King William District encompasses 25 blocks south of downtown and east of the San Antonio River.
Back in the late 1800s, it was the most elegant residential area in the city. Settled by German immigrants, the neighborhood was named after Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Back in the late 1800s, it was the most elegant residential area in the city. Settled by German immigrants, the neighborhood was named after Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
River Walk Tour
The San Antonio River Walk (also known as Paseo del R铆o or simply The River Walk) is a network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River, one story beneath the streets of the city. A successful special-case pedestrian street, this walk winds and loops under bridges as two parallel sidewalks lined with restaurants and shops, connecting major tourist draws and attractions that add to its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
San Antonio Introduction Walking Tour
San Antonio, one of Texas' major cities, boasts rich colonial heritage. The city was named by a 1691 Spanish expedition for Saint Anthony of Padua, whose feast day is June 13. At the time of European encounter, the area near the San Antonio River Valley was inhabited by Payaya Indians who called it Yanaguana, the "refreshing waters".
In 1709, Spanish Father Antonio de Olivares... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
In 1709, Spanish Father Antonio de Olivares... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles