The Egyptian Theatre (Boise, Idaho)
The Egyptian Theatre is a theatre and concert venue in the western United States, located in Boise, Idaho. It has also been known as the Ada Theater (Boise is the seat of Ada County). Inaugurated 93 years ago in 1927, it is the oldest theatre in the city. When it opened, the local press wrote that it "embodies the characteristic features of the land of the Nile, from the truncated pyramids which form the great pylons, to the lotus bud pillars with their ornate frescoes."[2] The great lotus pillars flanking the screen are based on those of Karnak. The theatre has been renovated by Conrad Schmitt Studios.[3]
Ada Theater | |
View of the south and east elevations in the early 1970s | |
Boise Boise | |
Location | 700 West Main Street Boise, Idaho |
---|---|
Coordinates | 43°36′53.99″N 116°12′5.02″W |
Built | 1927 |
Architect | Frederick C. Hummel of Tourtellotte & Hummel |
NRHP reference No. | 74000724[1] |
Added to NRHP | November 21, 1974 |
History
The Egyptian Theatre was designed by Frederick C. Hummel of the architectural firm Tourtellotte & Hummel.[4]
The theater's architecture is of the Egyptian revival style, inspired by the newly-discovered tomb of King Tut. Over time, the structure underwent various changes. In 1999, it was remodeled once again after the original building.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.[1][4]
The theater is architecturally significant as one of the few surviving theaters from the grand cinema and movie palace era in Boise.[5]
The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum film premieres were all hosted at The Egyptian Theatre.
Actor Aaron Paul rented out the Egyptian theater in downtown Boise to live stream the 14th episode of Breaking Bad.[6]
References
- "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 15, 2006.
- Poppeliers, John C.; Chambers Jr., S. Allen (6 October 2003). What Style Is It: A Guide to American Architecture. John Wiley & Sons. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-471-25036-4.
- Old House Interiors. Home Buyer Publications. 2001. p. 57. ISSN 1079-3941.
- Nancy F. Renk (April 10, 1974). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Ada Theater / Fox Theater / Egyptian Theatre". National Park Service. Retrieved August 23, 2017. With three photos from 1973 and 1974.
- "Historic American Buildings Survey: Ada Theatre". Retrieved 2007-01-11.
- Paul, Aaron (9 September 2013). "I rented out the Egyptian theater in downtown Boise to live stream the next episode. Who's coming with me? It's free. It's fun. #YeahBitch". Twitter.