Dallas is home to a great number of cultural landmarks — places where residents and visitors alike can relax, recharge, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere after a long workweek. Theaters play a major role in the city’s social and cultural life. Today, we’ll talk about one of Dallas’s most famous venues — the Texas Theatre, a historic landmark that first opened its doors in the last century. Learn more about it on dallas-trend.com.
How the Theatre Was Founded
The Texas Theatre began its story in 1931. At that time, it was considered the largest suburban movie theater in Dallas. It was part of a cinema chain financed by the famous businessman Howard Hughes. Historians note that the Texas Theatre was also the first cinema in the city to feature modern amenities, such as air conditioning — a true luxury in the early 20th century.
The building was designed by architect W. Scott Dunne and built in Venetian style, featuring balconies under a starlit ceiling, decorative fountains, cloud-painted walls, and a grand crystal chandelier.
The Texas Theatre earned a permanent place in American history in 1963, when Lee Harvey Oswald, the alleged assassin of President John F. Kennedy, was arrested there.
By 1989, the theater was forced to close, but the following year the Texas Theatre Historical Society (TTHS) purchased the building. In 1991, filmmaker Oliver Stone restored the theater’s façade for his movie JFK.
However, by 1992, TTHS was unable to secure sufficient funding, and the theater closed once again. The building was later rescued by Don Dubois, a former ticket-taker representing Texas Rosewin-Midway Properties, in 1993. Despite his efforts, tragedy struck again — in 1994, the historic structure was almost destroyed by fire.
Although Pedro Villa attempted to save the building in 1996, he failed to secure the necessary funds. The fire-damaged theater remained abandoned for three years, becoming a refuge for homeless people, vandals, and stray animals.
Reviving a Legend
If you think the Texas Theatre’s story ended there — think again. In 2001, the Oak Cliff Foundation purchased the property and began a major restoration project. Funding included $1.6 million from the Dallas Neighborhood Renaissance Partnership, along with an additional $2 million raised by the foundation’s board — out of the estimated $9 million required for full restoration.
These funds were used to rebuild the structure after the fire and restore its historic character. In 2010, Aviation Cinemas, Inc. signed a lease to operate the venue, transforming it into an independent repertory cinema while also hosting live performances and concerts.
In 2017, a historical marker was installed in front of the building, reading:
“On November 22, 1963, following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald was apprehended in this auditorium.”
The theater temporarily closed again in 2020 due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, but it reopened a year later, in 2021, after a new round of renovations. It now features two screening rooms — a main auditorium with 670 seats and a balcony area with 165 seats.
As you can see, the Texas Theatre is not just a movie house — it’s a significant cultural and historical landmark in Dallas. Despite multiple closures and hardships, it has risen like a phoenix from the ashes, preserving its unique legacy as part of the city’s cultural heritage.
We hope you found this story both interesting and informative. How often do you visit the Texas Theatre? Share your thoughts with us on social media!
