The Egyptian Theatre (Boise, Idaho) Explained

Ada Theater
Location:700 West Main Street
Boise, Idaho
Coordinates:43.615°N -116.2014°W
Map Label:Boise
Architect:Frederick C. Hummel of Tourtellotte & Hummel
Added:November 21, 1974
Refnum:74000724

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 after its erection 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."[1] The great lotus pillars flanking the screen are based on those of Karnak. The theatre has been renovated by Conrad Schmitt Studios.[2]

History

The Egyptian Theatre was designed by Frederick C. Hummel of the architectural firm Tourtellotte & Hummel.

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.[3]

The theater is architecturally significant as one of the few surviving theaters from the grand cinema and movie palace era in Boise.[4]

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.[5]

The Egyptian Theatre is home to performances by Opera Idaho.[6]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Poppeliers. John C.. Chambers Jr.. S. Allen . What Style Is It: A Guide to American Architecture. 6 October 2003. John Wiley & Sons. 978-0-471-25036-4. 63.
  2. Book: Old House Interiors. 2001. Home Buyer Publications. 57. 1079-3941.
  3. Web site: [{{NRHP url|id=74000724}} National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: Ada Theater / Fox Theater / Egyptian Theatre ]. National Park Service. Nancy F. Renk . April 10, 1974 . August 23, 2017. With .
  4. Web site: Historic American Buildings Survey: Ada Theatre. 2007-01-11.
  5. Web site: 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.. Paul. Aaron. Aaron Paul. 9 September 2013. Twitter.
  6. News: Opera Idaho at The Egyptian? That requires a little behind-the-scenes magic. Ellen McKinnon. The Idaho Press. July 6, 2021. June 16, 2022.