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Capitol Theater - Burlington, Iowa

Enjoyed a good blues/rock show by the Jeremiah Johnson Band on Friday night. Didn't bring my Canon along, but had to at least get a snapshot of this classy old theater all aglow. So sweet to finally see it at night! : )

 

The Capitol Theater opened in July of 1937, showing The Prince and the Pauper with Errol Flynn. After 40 years as a movie house, the doors closed in 1977 . . . and remained closed for 35 years as the building deteriorated. But a long movement to save her and hard work by the Capitol Theater Foundation of Burlington resulted in the 2012 reopening of the theater as a 370-seat regional performing arts center.

 

The beautifully repainted interior took its color cues from the deco swirls of the lobby's original terrazzo floor which was discovered under some moldy 1970's carpet.

 

The Capitol is a little jewel and a sweet preservation success story. It's a great place for live theater or music, and still shows movies as well - including new independent films and the great old classics (such as Rear Window on July 25).

 

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

 

Daytime photos below in the comments.

 

(A personal note: I've just started a new job - full time with benefits. Some of you know what a big deal that is for me these days, in this new life of mine! It's going to be a challenge and I don't have a lot of time for photography and flickr right now. But hopefully that will change. Been missing you!)

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Uploaded on July 19, 2015
Taken on July 17, 2015