Jefferson Theatre Facts for Kids

For other venues, see Jefferson Theater.

Quick facts for kids Significant dates

Jefferson Theater
U.S. National Register of Historic Places
U.S. Historic district Contributing property

The theater in 2024
Jefferson Theater Location in Texas Show map of Texas Jefferson Theater Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	345 Fannin St., Beaumont, Texas
Area	0.5 acres (0.20 ha)
Built	1927 (1927)
Architect	Emile Weil, Inc.
Part of	Beaumont Commercial District (ID78002959)
NRHP reference No.	78002962
Added to NRHP	January 30, 1978
Designated CP	April 14, 1978

The Jefferson Theatre is a beautiful old theater in downtown Beaumont, Texas. It was built in 1927 and looks like an old Spanish building. The famous architect Emile Weil designed it. This theater can hold over 1400 people!

The Jefferson Theatre is very special. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also known as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. The theater recently had a huge makeover that cost millions of dollars. It even has its original Morton organ. This is a special musical instrument made by the Robert Morton Organ Company. Only a few theaters in the country still have one!

History of the Jefferson Theatre
- The Morton Organ and Movie Premieres
- Closures and Reopening
Performances and Events
Hurricane Rita's Impact
Photo gallery
See also

History of the Jefferson Theatre

The Jefferson Theatre first opened its doors on November 14, 1927. It cost almost $1 million to build back then. It was designed for the Jefferson Amusement Company. This company was part of Saenger Amusements.

The Morton Organ and Movie Premieres

Inside the theater, there is a special Robert Morton organ. It has three keyboards and eight sets of pipes. This organ can make many different sounds. The theater was also a place for big movie events. For example, the movie "It's A Wonderful Life" had a special showing there. This happened from March 4 to 8, 1947. The movie's star, James Stewart, and director, Frank Capra, even came to the theater on March 4.

Closures and Reopening

The theater closed in 1972. This was because fewer people were going to downtown areas. But by 1997, the theater was open again. Then, in September 2000, it closed for a big restoration. This huge project cost $6.5 million. It was finished in 2003.

Since 2010, the City of Beaumont has been in charge of running the theater. A group called the Jefferson Theatre Preservation Society helps to keep it in good shape. They also help promote its use for different events.

Performances and Events

After its big renovation, many famous artists have performed at the Jefferson Theatre. These include Joan Rivers, The Temptations, and George Carlin. Other well-known groups like the Doobie Brothers have also played there.

The theater is not just for big stars. It also hosts many local shows and events. Every year, the Jefferson Theatre is home to a fun film festival.

Hurricane Rita's Impact

In September 2005, a big storm called Hurricane Rita hit the area. The hurricane caused some damage to the theater. Because of this, the theater had to close temporarily for repairs. It reopened for business in December 2005.