Arizona’s Historic Theaters: A Legacy Worth Preserving

We crafted this post to mark two exciting milestones: the recent opening of the Beale Street Theater in Kingman and the completion of the renovation of the Safford Theatre in Safford. These achievements remind us how meaningful it is when communities rally to bring their historic theaters back to life.

Across Arizona’s cities and towns, historic theaters stand as living reminders of our cultural, architectural, and community heritage. These venues were once the beating hearts of main streets – where neighbors gathered for vaudeville shows, silent pictures, talkies, and civic events. Today, many are restored, some await renewal, and all carry stories worth telling.

A Growing List of Treasures (alphabetical by city/town)

• Ajo – Oasis Theater (1930s): A desert landmark in Ajo Plaza, with its lobby now serving as a café.

• Bisbee – Lyric Theatre (1917): Closed, but preservation advocates hope to revive this treasure.

• Casa Grande – Paramount Theatre (1929): Spanish Revival gem, restored as a cultural venue.

• Douglas – Grand Theatre (1919): Once one of the largest theaters in the Southwest; restoration underway.

• Flagstaff – Orpheum Theater (1911, rebuilt 1917): Still a hub for concerts and events in northern Arizona.

• Globe – Iris Theater (within the Elks Building, early 1910s): A slice of Globe’s Main Street history.

• Holbrook – Roxy Theater (1954, replacing a 1930s house): Reopened in recent years, continuing its Route 66 legacy.

• Kingman – Beale Street Theater (1930s): Now reopened after major community-driven renovation on historic Route 66.

• Mesa – Nile Theater (1924): From vaudeville to punk rock, this building has seen it all and remains a live venue.

• Phoenix – Orpheum Theatre (1929): A Spanish Baroque masterpiece, meticulously restored and still dazzling audiences downtown.

• Prescott – Elks Opera House / Elks Theatre (1905): Beautifully restored; now hosts concerts and plays.

• Safford – Safford Theatre (1938): A recently renovated single-screen landmark in southeastern Arizona.

• Tempe – Valley Art (1940): Arizona’s longest-operating single-screen movie theater, still showing films on Mill Avenue.

• Tucson – Fox Theatre (1930): The “Crown Jewel of Downtown Tucson,” restored after decades of closure.

• Tucson – Rialto Theatre (1920): Now a major concert venue, drawing acts from around the world.

• Tucson – Temple of Music and Art (1927): A Spanish Colonial Revival masterpiece, home to Arizona Theatre Company.

• Willcox – Rex Allen Theater (built 1930s as the Palace, renamed in 1980s): A small-town gem tied to the “Arizona Cowboy” Rex Allen.

• Williams – Sultana Theater (1912): Once billed as “the oldest movie house on Route 66.

• Winslow – Winslow Theater (1927, originally the Rialto): A community favorite, still screening films.

• Yuma – Historic Yuma Theatre (1912): Part of the Yuma Art Center, showcasing live performances and classic films.

Why This Matters

Historic theaters aren’t just pretty buildings – they’re anchors of memory, creativity, and civic pride. They represent the era when entertainment was a shared, communal experience. Their survival depends on communities recognizing their value and finding ways to keep them active and sustainable.

Did We Miss Any?

This is by no means a complete list. Arizona is full of hidden gems – some still standing, others waiting to be rediscovered. Did we leave one out, or do you see a correction that needs to be made? Please share your knowledge so we can build a fuller, more accurate picture.

An Idea: A Historic Arizona Theaters Association

What if we created an informal network or association of Arizona’s historic theaters? A space where owners, advocates, preservation advocates, and fans could share resources, promote events, and support one another’s restoration efforts. It could be as simple as an email group or as ambitious as a statewide alliance. Who would be interested in making this happen?

👉 If you know of another historic theater in Arizona – or if you’d like to be part of building this informal association – drop us a note or comment here.