THE MAJESTIC THEATRE
National + State Landmark | Est. 1929
The Majestic Theatre stands at the heart of downtown San Antonio and is one of the most storied and architecturally significant theaters in Texas. Designed by John Eberson in 1929, it was the first fully air-conditioned theater in the state and remains one of the few atmospheric theatres worldwide—complete with a star-painted ceiling. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975, designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark in 1991, and recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1993, the Majestic was threatened with demolition in the 1980s. Thanks to community leadership and restoration efforts led by Joci Straus and MEF, it reopened in 1989 as a premier destination for Broadway, concerts, and student showcases—where young performers share the same stage as legends.
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2,264 seated
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National Historic Landmark (1993), Recorded Texas Historic Landmark (1991), National Register of Historic Places (1975)
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Broadway productions, major concerts, student showcases
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224 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX (view on map)
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Click Here to view upcoming performances at The Majestic Theatre.
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Click Here to take a tour of The Majestic Theatre.
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If you are interested in renting The Majestic Theatre, please Click Here.
The Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
Nationally Registered Historic Venue | Est. 1914, Restored 1998
Built in 1914 and restored in 1998 through MEF’s leadership and a generous $1 million gift from Charline and B.J. “Red” McCombs, the Empire Theatre is a historic gem of 857 seats designed to blend old-world charm with modern performance capability. After nearly 25 years of disuse, the Empire was reimagined as a vibrant community and educational venue. Since 1999, it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, officially recognizing its cultural and architectural significance.
Today, it serves as an intimate stage for community events, workshops, masterclasses, and student performances curated by the Majestic Empire Foundation.
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857 seats
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National Register of Historic Places (1999)
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Educational programming, intimate performances, special events
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226 N. St. Mary’s St., San Antonio, TX (view on map)
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Click Here to view upcoming performances at The Majestic Theatre.
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Click Here to take a tour of The Empire Theatre.
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If you are interested in renting The Majestic Theatre, please Click Here.
THE josephine THEATRE
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark | Est. 1947 | Under Revitalization
Now undergoing a major revitalization led by The Majestic Empire Foundation, the Josephine Theatre is poised to become the permanent home of the Academy for the Arts—MEF’s flagship program offering accessible, year-round community engagement, performing arts education and workforce training.
Designated a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, the Josephine was originally opened in 1947 as a movie theatre founded by the Majestic Theatre’s projectionist and has long served as a beloved community venue. Located in Tobin Hill near The Pearl District, it is being transformed into a vibrant creative hub where students from across South Texas can receive accessible high-quality instruction, mentorship, and performance opportunities. This restoration is more than a capital project—it’s a commitment to future generations and the community we serve, equity in the arts, and the power of creativity to shape lives.
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Mainstage, cabaret space, rehearsal studios, and classrooms
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Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
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Free education, youth productions, workforce development
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339 W. Josephine St., San Antonio, TX (view on map)
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COMING SOON: details on the Josephine Renovation.
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Click Here for all media inquiries regarding The Josephine Renovation.
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Click Here to support the Josephine Renovation with a financial donation.
More Than Venues. A Movement.
The Majestic, Empire, and Josephine Theatres form the foundation of MEF’s mission—to preserve heritage, expand access, and inspire creative futures. From Broadway shows to student showcases, these spaces uphold our belief that the arts are for all, and the arts can transform communities.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or celebrating your 100th visit, when you walk through our doors, you become part of a movement rooted in history and driven by possibility.