Aztec Theatre (San Antonio) facts for kids

The Aztec Theatre is a famous historic theater located in downtown San Antonio, Texas, United States. It's known for its unique design, inspired by ancient Mesoamerican cultures. Today, it hosts many exciting concerts and events.

Quick facts for kids
Aztec Theatre

Aztec on the River
Exterior view of venue (c.2016)
Address	104 N St Mary's St San Antonio, TX 78205-2209
Location	Downtown San Antonio
Owner	Aztec Family Group
Operator	Live Nation
Capacity	1,477
Construction
Opened	June 4, 1926 (1926-06-04)
Renovated	2007-09, 2013-14
Closed	1989-2009; 2012-14
Construction cost	$1.75 million
Architect	Meyer & Holler
Aztec Theatre
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
Architect	Kelly, Robert B.; Pianta, Hannibal
Architectural style	Mesoamerican
NRHP reference No.	92001403
Added to NRHP	October 22, 1992

History of the Aztec Theatre

The Aztec Theatre in December 2003, when it was closed.

The Aztec Theatre was built in 1926. It was one of many amazing movie theaters with unique designs built in the United States during the 1920s. The Kellwood Corporation built the theater. It cost about $1.75 million to build.

The Aztec Theatre was part of a group of famous theaters in San Antonio. Other theaters included the Empire, the Texas, the Majestic, and the Alameda.

The theater was very popular for many years. But by the 1970s, fewer people were visiting. It was even divided into three smaller movie rooms, called the Aztec Triplex. However, this did not stop its decline. In 1989, the Aztec Theatre closed its doors.

In October 1992, the theater was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This important listing helped save it from being torn down.

Reopening and New Life

The Aztec Theatre is located right on San Antonio's famous River Walk. It reopened in August 2009 as a place for concerts. A live show called San Antonio Rose Live performed there. This show featured country, swing, and gospel music. It had nine talented musicians. However, this show closed in February 2012.

In September 2013, new people leased the Aztec Theatre. They planned to make it a place for many different events. It would host public and private parties, as well as live music shows.

In 2015, a company called LiveNation took over the Aztec Theatre. They started hosting many concerts, comedy shows, and other live events. The theater also hosts special events like company parties and weddings. In 2020, a new outdoor terrace was added. It is on the second floor and overlooks the River Walk. This space can also be rented for private events.

Amazing Architectural Features

The Aztec Theatre as seen from the River Walk in 2017.

The Aztec Theatre was designed by the company Meyer & Holler. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1992. The inside of the theater is filled with bright colors. You can see columns, sculptures, and murals everywhere. Many of these decorations are copies of real ancient Meso-American art.

In front of the stage, there is a large fire screen. This screen has a painting of the Aztec ruler Montezuma II meeting the Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés in 1519. The entire theater is decorated with designs inspired by the Aztec, Mixtec, Zapotec, Toltec, and Mayan cultures. The theater building itself is part of a six-story office building.

The Giant Chandelier

A huge, three-ton chandelier hangs in the theater's lobby. This amazing light fixture was added to the theater in 1929. It has been fully restored by the grandson of the person who first designed it. Interestingly, the chandelier was installed on the very same day the stock market crashed in 1929.

The Aztec Theatre is even mentioned in the famous travel book, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.

Noted Performers at the Aztec Theatre

Many famous artists and bands have performed at the Aztec Theatre.

See also

• House Of Blues
• LiveNation
• San Antonio Conservation Society