The Egyptian Theatre in Boise, Idaho

In 1922, the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb captured imaginations all over the world and fueled a revival of architecture inspired by ancient Egypt. Even the potato farmers in Idaho got swept up in the excitement, as evidenced by the Egyptian Theatre in Boise, Idaho.  Opened in 1927, this theater features a detailed bas relief, columns covered in hieroglyphics, and Egyptian-style murals. A century later, the building remains examples of Egyptian Revival architecture in the United States.  By the time the 1940s arrived, the Egyptian theme was outdated, and the entire place was whitewashed. In the 1970s, the building was saved from being torn down and was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Since then, it has been renovated twice. The second, more detailed renovation in 1999 brought the Egyptian temple style theater back to life. The Egyptian Theatre remains a cherished landmark in the Boise community, and it continues to host screenings of classic movies, concerts, operas, comedy shows, and entertainment of all kinds. 

Mar 27, 2025 - 15:04
 0
The Egyptian Theatre in Boise, Idaho

Exterior of the Egyptian Theatre.

In 1922, the discovery of King Tutankhamun's tomb captured imaginations all over the world and fueled a revival of architecture inspired by ancient Egypt. Even the potato farmers in Idaho got swept up in the excitement, as evidenced by the Egyptian Theatre in Boise, Idaho

Opened in 1927, this theater features a detailed bas relief, columns covered in hieroglyphics, and Egyptian-style murals. A century later, the building remains examples of Egyptian Revival architecture in the United States. 

By the time the 1940s arrived, the Egyptian theme was outdated, and the entire place was whitewashed. In the 1970s, the building was saved from being torn down and was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Since then, it has been renovated twice. The second, more detailed renovation in 1999 brought the Egyptian temple style theater back to life.

The Egyptian Theatre remains a cherished landmark in the Boise community, and it continues to host screenings of classic movies, concerts, operas, comedy shows, and entertainment of all kinds.