Idaho is not an obvious location for architecture the glorifies and typifies the golden age of cinema. At least, that was what I foolishly thought.
Thoroughly destroying my preconceptions, the Egyptian Theatre in Boise, Idaho, easily captures the spirit of the times. Opening in 1927 this single screen theatre followed a pattern of Egyptian ‘revival’ cinemas sweeping America and Europe. After the fervour that followed Howard Carter’s 1922 discovery of King Tutankhamun’s burial chamber, the Western world was gripped by everything Egyptology. Structures from factories and office buildings to movie theatres embraced the revival. Boise was no exception (adding its own touch of Americana along with it).
What makes this story more remarkable though, is the efforts of the Historic American Building Survey (which started its’ work in 1933). Through them, the theatre was photographed and documented leaving a fascinating record of contemporary photographs and original architectural design drawings. This 1920s Egyptian cinematic gem is just one of the 43,000 structures recorded to date and its history is all the better for it.
Main elevation for the “Boise Theatre and Store Building”
The external and internal detailing is certainly not subtle and is in the true, elaborate, ‘movie palace’ style of the early 20th Century. No detail went ignored or untouched by the movie set treatment. Corridors, doorways and lighting all received the same decorative treatment. Even the organ screen adornment gets thorough attention with detailing and scantily clad Egyptian lady sandwiched between vividly decorated columns.
There is no doubt that this heyday cinema has been lucky. Two years after construction the Great Depression shook America. Unemployment skyrocketed, profits fell and income hit record lows. For states such as Idaho, who relied heavily on farming income. the price of produce dropped rapidly and the local population was dramatically impacted, but the cinema remained unscathed. Despite the rise and fall of cinema as a medium (and the rush for ever larger screens, seats and sound) the building survives today. Having fallen on hard times (or rather ‘hard owners’) over the decades, the space was restored in 1999 and it still continues to operate. It has diversified (or arguably maintained its roots) and shows silent movies with supporting orchestra, classic cinema and stand-up comedy.
To Visit: The Egyptian Theatre, 700 W. Main ST, Boise, ID 83702
All images provided by Historic American Building Survey (US Govt.)
Rubble & Brick 