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 96 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 is located in Idaho
Boise
Boise
Boise is located in the United States
Boise
Boise
Location700 West Main Street
Boise, Idaho
Coordinates43°36′53.99″N 116°12′5.02″W
Built1927 (1927)
ArchitectFrederick C. Hummel of Tourtellotte & Hummel
NRHP reference No.74000724[1]
Added to NRHPNovember 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]

The Egyptian Theatre is home to performances by Opera Idaho.[7]

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 15, 2006.
  2. Poppeliers, John C.; Chambers Jr., S. Allen (October 6, 2003). What Style Is It: A Guide to American Architecture. John Wiley & Sons. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-471-25036-4.
  3. Old House Interiors. Home Buyer Publications. 2001. p. 57. ISSN 1079-3941.
  4. 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.
  5. "Historic American Buildings Survey: Ada Theatre". Retrieved January 11, 2007.
  6. Paul, Aaron (September 9, 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.
  7. Ellen McKinnon (July 6, 2021). "Opera Idaho at The Egyptian? That requires a little behind-the-scenes magic". The Idaho Press. Retrieved June 16, 2022.


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