Visit America’s King Tut-inspired theaters

By Gail Marsh
No matter where you go RVing, there’s a good chance you’ll travel near an Egyptian theater, or at least the site where an Egyptian theater once stood. I’m not talking about movie houses in the country of Egypt. No, these Egyptian-themed movie theaters were built right here in the USA.

King Tut’s influence

What would inspire architects in the Roaring ’20s to design their movie houses with an Egyptian theme? The answer lies with King Tutankhamun. The discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922 sparked the world’s curiosity and fascination with Egyptian culture, art, and architecture. Of course, Hollywood took note.

Popularity grows

Recognizing an opportunity to draw in the masses, construction soon began on several Egyptian-themed theaters throughout the United States. These theaters provided a lavish setting for the moviegoer. Audiences marveled at the intricate craftsmanship and immersive atmosphere, which seemed able to transport them to distant lands and ancient times.

Identifying features of Egyptian theaters

Egyptian theaters were often characterized by their opulent facades which featured hieroglyphics, ornate columns, lotus motifs, and massive statues of various Egyptian gods. Stepping into one of these theaters during Hollywood’s Golden Age was like stepping out of ordinary life and into a glamourous otherworldly experience.

Growth

As the popularity of the movie industry surged, Egyptian-themed theaters multiplied across the country, with as many as 100 theaters eventually constructed. Each venue boasted its own unique blend of Egyptian-inspired architecture and modern amenities, becoming cherished landmarks in their respective cities.

Decline

Just as with every trend, the Egyptian craze eventually went out of fashion. More and more people traded city life for life in the suburbs, and the once magnificent downtown Egyptian theaters often fell into disrepair and neglect.

Television burst onto a much smaller but popular screen and soon became the country’s newest craze. As a result, many of the Egyptian theaters were repurposed for other uses or, in some cases, destroyed, their once-majestic interiors fading into memory.

Today

Historians and theater lovers have since worked tirelessly to restore many of the once-elegant and historic theaters. The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, for instance, underwent extensive restoration efforts in the late 20th century and continues to host screenings, premieres, and events today.

Active Egyptian theaters

From California to Maryland, Egyptian-themed theaters enjoyed their heyday. Today, however, only a handful remain active and ready to welcome you. These include:

• Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre, Hollywood, California
• Peery’s Egyptian Theater, Ogden, Utah
• Egyptian Theatre, Coos Bay, Oregon
• Mary G. Steiner Egyptian Theatre, Park City, Utah
• Capitol Center for the Arts, Concord, New Hampshire
• The Egyptian Theatre, Boise, Idaho
• Egyptian Theater, Delta, Colorado
• Egyptian Theatre, DeKalb, Illinois
• The Moore Theater, Seattle, Washington
• SIFF Cinema Egyptian, Seattle, Washington
• Cinemark Egyptian 24 and XD, Hanover, Maryland

Delta, Colorado’s Egyptian Theater

On our recent RV travels, I discovered an Egyptian theater in the small town of Delta, Colorado. The concept was all new to me. I enjoyed learning about this piece of Americana—its beginning, popularity, and eventual decline. I was also pleased to learn that the folks in Delta, along with several other locations across America, continue to treasure and use their wonderful Egyptian theaters.

Have you ever visited an Egyptian theater? Tell me about it in the comments below.

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