Saenger Theatre
Texarkana, Bowie County, Texas
Marker Inscription
As a regional entertainment and cultural center, Texarkana once had a number of opera houses and theaters, including this facility built by the Saenger Amusement Co. of New Orleans. A parade and speeches by local dignitaries marked the opening day festivities on Nov. 18, 1924. Emil Weil designed the Classical Revival structure to accommodate stage productions, musical programs and motion pictures. The elaborate interior features ornamental plasterwork. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1982
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Texarkana was once a regional entertainment hub of opera houses and theaters, and the Saenger Theatre — built by New Orleans's Saenger Amusement Co. — opened with a parade and speeches on November 18, 1924. Architect Emil Weil designed the Classical Revival building with ornamental plasterwork to host stage shows, concerts, and motion pictures. It is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark.
Why it matters
Grand movie-and-vaudeville palaces like the Saenger were the cultural centers of 1920s American towns, marking the golden age of the picture show.
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Related people
- · Emil Weil
Themes & tags
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