Astro Theater

Infobox_nrhp | name =Astro Theater
nrhp_type =


caption =
location= Omaha, Nebraska
lat_degrees = 41
lat_minutes = 15
lat_seconds = 25.89
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 95
long_minutes = 56
long_seconds = 32.78
long_direction = W
locmapin = Nebraska
area =
built =1926
architect= Unknown
architecture= Classical Revival, Exotic Revival, Other
added = August 13, 1974
governing_body = Private
refnum=74001108cite web|url=http://www.nr.nps.gov/|title=National Register Information System|date=2007-01-23|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service]

The Astro Theater originally opened as The Riviera and is currently known as the Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center or The Rose. It is located at 2001 Farnam Street in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. Built in 1926 in a combination of both Moorish and Classical styles, the building was rehabilitated in 1986. [ [http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/tax/douglas.htm "Tax incentive program projects in Douglas County"] , Nebraska State Historical Society. Retrieved 12/2/07.]

History

Originally noted for lavish stage shows combined with movies, the Riviera was regarded as one of the most elegant entertainment facilities in the Midwest. John Eberson, a nationally notable architect, built the theater as an example of the "atmospheric" theater popular during the 1920s. In a style created by Eberson, these atmospheric theaters simulated romantic outdoor Mediterranean courtyards with a night sky above, including twinkling stars and drifting clouds. [ [http://www.nebraskahistory.org/histpres/nebraska/douglas.htm "Nebraska National Register Sites in Douglas County"] , Nebraska State Historical Society. Retrieved 12/2/07.]

The exterior of the building features a large copper domed tower, flanked by two smaller towers of similar detailing. The diamond-patterned brick facades contain oriel windows, elaborate cornices, glazed terra-cotta tile copings, and a series of free-standing columns which support griffins. [ [http://cinematreasures.org/theater/906/ "Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center."] Cinema Treasures. Retrieved 12/2/07.]

Creighton University sold the Astro Theater to Rose Blumkin of the Nebraska Furniture Mart on June 24, 1981. [ [http://press.creighton.edu/120503/cu125.html "Creighton's history brick by brick"] , "The Creightonian Online." Retrieved 12/2/07.] In the early 1990s it was renovated and transformed into the Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center and currently serves as the home of the Emmy Gifford Children's Theater. [ [http://www.nfm.com/ourstory_mrsb.aspx "Our Story Mrs. B."] Nebraska Furniture Mart. Retrieved 12/2/07.] [ [http://www.rosetheater.org/about-history.asp "The Rose"] , Rose Theater. Retrieved 12/2/07.]

References