Historic San Antonio theaters celebrate birthdays and rebirths
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The Aztec Theatre in the 1940s. Photo: Courtesy of the Aztec Theatre
It's a banner summer for San Antonio's historic theaters as the Aztec Theatre celebrates its 100th anniversary while the Majestic and Magik theaters prepare for celebrations of their own.
Why it matters: It's a reminder that some of San Antonio's most treasured cultural landmarks are still drawing crowds.
The latest: The Aztec is kicking off its centennial celebration with a concert series featuring 10 performances beginning July 29, including Coheed and Cambria, Gary Clark Jr., Juanes, Spoon, The Midnight and The Story So Far.
- The venue is also expanding its partnership with San Antonio filmmaker Robert Rodriguez with a 30th anniversary screening of "From Dusk Till Dawn" on Friday and a "Spy Kids" 25th anniversary screening next month.
Flashback: Opened in 1926, the Aztec has evolved from showing silent films to "talkies" to becoming a concert venue.
- "It's been able to adapt to the needs of San Antonio while still showcasing the beautiful design elements of it," general manager Kevin Clutz tells Axios.
- Designed by Meyer & Holler — the architectural firm behind Hollywood's famed Chinese Theatre and Egyptian Theatre — the Aztec remains one of the country's few surviving examples of Mesoamerican-inspired theater design.
- "There's no other venue that represents the Mesoamerican culture and style quite like the Aztec," Clutz says.
The Majestic Theatre will host a free birthday open house Sunday featuring backstage tours, live performances and behind-the-scenes access to the 1929 venue. Registration is encouraged.
Zoom out: The Magik Theatre will unveil a $2.2 million renovation of its 130-year-old Beethoven Hall on Saturday, including expanded accessibility, increased seating and modernized infrastructure.
- The reopening celebration includes a free Hemisfair Park party (12:30pm-1:30pm) and a performance of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" (2pm; ticket prices vary).
The bottom line: Clutz hopes the Aztec's next century looks much like its first — preserving the historic charm that leaves first-time visitors in awe while continuing to evolve.