Ada Theater
a.k.a. Egyptian Theater;Fox Theater
700 Main St., Boise, IDOn April 17, 1927, the magnificent Egyptian Theater was completed. Two days later, people were trampled in the crowd on opening night as masses pressed in to see John Barrymore in "Don Juan". Through the years, the theater has maintained its reputation as one of the best in Boise, showing first-run features. One of the major attractions recently was the world premiere of "Jeremiah Johnson" on December 2, 1972 with the star Robert Redford in attendance.
The building was designed by Frederick C. Hummel of the well-known Boise firm of Tourtellotte and Humfiel. A local investment house, Childs and Co., financed a $100,000 bond issue for the construction of the theater. Jordan and Sons were the main builders, with help and materials from local suppliers.
Architecturally, the theater is important as an excellent example of Egyptian-style architecture, and the only one of this kind in Idaho. The full use of Egyptian symbols (sphinxes, scarabs, sacred vultures, etc.) reflects the contemporary fascination with Egyptology, instigated by the recent (early 1920's) discoveries in Egypt.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.