Majestic Theatre
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Constructed in 1928 at a cost of $3,000,000, this structure was designed by John Ebersonf or Karl Hoblitzelle, owner of the interstate theatre chain. Chiefly Spanish Colonial Revival in design, its Eclectic features include paired columns supporting a full-width canopy; an elaborate Marquee; and ornate place courtyard interior. The majestic is an outstanding example of the few remaining atmospheric theatres designed by Eberson in the 1920s. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1991.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Completed in 1928 at a cost of $3 million, the Majestic Theatre was designed by John Eberson for theater magnate Karl Hoblitzelle's Interstate chain. Its lavish Spanish Colonial Revival design, with paired columns, an ornate marquee and a courtyard-like interior, made it one of Eberson's celebrated "atmospheric" theaters, built to feel like an open-air plaza under a starry sky. It survives as one of the finest remaining examples of that flamboyant 1920s movie-palace style.
Why it matters
The Majestic captures the golden age of the American movie palace, when going to the pictures meant stepping into an architectural fantasy in the heart of downtown.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museumnearby
- Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks0.2 mi away
- Alamo Vistor Center and Museum (coming 2027)0.2 mi away
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium0.2 mi away
- Briscoe Western Art Museum0.3 mi away · 210 West Market Street
- Ralston Family Collections Center0.3 mi away
Attractions
- River boat boardingnearby
- River boat boarding0.3 mi away
- Sea Life Aquarium0.3 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- La Villita0.3 mi away
- River boat boarding0.4 mi away
- Casa Navarro State Historical Site0.5 mi away
Food & drink
- Texas de Brazilnearby · 313 East Houston Street, San Antonio
- Landry's Seafood House0.1 mi away · 517 North Presa Street, San Antonio, TX
- The Local Bar0.1 mi away
- Playland Pizza0.1 mi away
- Voodoo Donut0.1 mi away
- Paesanos Riverwalk0.1 mi away · 111 Crockett Way, San Antonio, TX
Places to stay
- Home2 Suites by Hilton San Antonio Downtown - Riverwalk, TXnearby · 603 Navarro Street, San Antonio, TX
- Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonionearby · 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Omni La Mansión del Rionearby · 112 College Street, San Antonio
- Holiday Inn Riverwalknearby · 217 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio0.1 mi away · 300 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX
- Wyndham Riverside Suites0.1 mi away · 218 College Street, TX
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · John Eberson
- · Karl Hoblitzelle
Themes & tags
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