From endangered relics to vibrant cultural landmarks—discover how The Majestic Empire Foundation helped restore two architectural jewels and continues to preserve their legacy for generations to come.
Opened on June 14, 1929, the Majestic Theatre was the vision of architect John Eberson and theater magnate Karl Hoblitzelle. Built at a cost of $3 million, it became the largest movie palace in the South—with over 3,700 seats—and the first fully air-conditioned public building in Texas.
Eberson’s Spanish-Mediterranean “atmospheric” design transported patrons into a star-lit courtyard surrounded by copper lanterns, tile murals, exotic birds, and imported palms. Its 76-foot marquee, illuminated by 2,400 lights, became an icon of downtown San Antonio.
The Majestic closed in the 1970s, falling into disrepair. In 1988, the City of San Antonio acquired the building, and MEF—then known as the Las Casas Foundation—launched a campaign that raised $4.5 million in just 11 months, restoring the Majestic and reopening it in 1989 as a premier performing arts venue and National Historic Landmark.
Further improvements came in 1995–1996, when MEF acquired the adjacent Little Brady Building to expand the stagehouse. Enhancements included a hydraulic lift, freight elevator, increased stage depth, and sound isolation—completed without interrupting programming.
Originally opened in 1914, the Empire Theatre was a vibrant vaudeville and film house for decades. After years of decline, it closed in 1978 and sat vacant until the City of San Antonio acquired it in 1987.
Once again, MEF led the charge—securing a pivotal $1 million gift from Charline and B.J. “Red” McCombs to restore the theatre. A $5.5 million renovation followed, culminating in the Empire’s grand reopening in 1998 with a performance by Kenny Rogers.
The restoration honored the building’s original elegance—cleaning and regilding plaster details, restoring mahogany woodwork, and incorporating modern amenities such as flexible platforms, new sound and lighting systems, HVAC, and an elevator.
In 1999, the Empire Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places, solidifying its place as a cultural and architectural treasure.
The Majestic and Empire Theatres are more than architectural marvels—they are cultural landmarks and gathering spaces that define the identity of San Antonio. Their restoration catalyzed downtown revitalization, boosted tourism, and created spaces where creativity, education, and community thrive.
These theatres are where Broadway premieres, student showcases, community events, and masterclasses come to life. Their preservation ensures equity in access to the arts and provides inspiration for generations to come.
Your support ensures these historic theatres remain open, inclusive, and inspiring. Every donation to the Preservation Fund helps us maintain these spaces as hubs for performance, learning, and community.
1914: Empire Theatre opens
1929: Majestic Theatre opens with 3,700+ seats on June 14
1978: Empire closes
1988: MEF founded; Majestic restoration begins
1989: Majestic reopens
1995–96: Stagehouse expansion completed
1998: Empire reopens as the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre
1999: Empire added to National Register of Historic Places
2029: Majestic Theatre Centennial (upcoming)
The continued success of the Majestic and Empire Theatres is the result of a visionary public-private partnership between the City of San Antonio, The Majestic Empire Foundation, and ATG Entertainment. Together, they’ve created a model for how historic preservation, cultural access, and economic development can flourish side by side.
As the official owner of both theatres, the City played a key role in protecting these historic spaces. By entrusting stewardship to The Majestic Empire Foundation, the City helped ensure their future as active, accessible, and community-serving venues.
Founded by Joci Straus in 1988, the Foundation raised over $4.5 million to save the Majestic from demolition. Today, MEF serves as nonprofit steward and landlord, preserving the theatres, producing free arts education, and ensuring these spaces remain vital cultural anchors.
As the world’s leading live entertainment operator, ATG brings top-tier programming and operational expertise to the venues—curating everything from Broadway tours and concerts to comedy and film, while also supporting MEF’s educational mission.
Item Thanks to this collaborative partnership, the Majestic and Empire have evolved from vacant relics into thriving arts destinations—welcoming over 250,000 patrons annually, serving thousands of students, and fueling the creative and economic growth of downtown San Antonio.
This is more than a partnership—it’s a shared commitment to honoring the past, enriching the present, and building a future where everyone belongs on stage.
