Rialto Theater – Downtown Tacoma
Rialto Theater – Downtown Tacoma

Rialto Theater – Downtown Tacoma

Rialto Theater - Downtown Tacoma

The historic Rialto Theater glows like a white jewel in the diffuse and growing light of the approaching dawn.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. Designed by Roland Borhek in the Beaux-Arts style, it opened on September 7, 1918 during the height of World War I. The Rialto Theater is part of the historic theater district of downtown Tacoma which also includes the Pantages Theater and Theater on the Square and is a two and a half story structure. Originally the theater would seat 1,500, but after a restoration in the early 1990s it now seats 780 and features an auditorium, proscenium with stage, a projection booth, balcony and lobby. Located at 310 Ninth Street it sits on a steep incline and the exterior is a buff colored stucco with glazed, white terra cotta around the entrance.

Rialto Theater - Box Office
Rialto Theater - Box Office

Three arched openings form a semi-circular arcaded entry which shelters the ticket window and a double leaf door and terrazzo flooring and marble kickplating. Projecting out from the arcaded entry is the three part flower petal marquee. After restoration, the venue services many theatrical performances for the citizens of Tacoma and the surroundings communities alike to enjoy. Wouldn’t it be fun to attend a concert here?

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5 Comments

  1. what a lovely photograph of a beautiful old theatre. we have something similar in tampa – i’m glad they’re preserving these old gems. and thanks for stopping by my blog and taking the time to leave your kind comment!

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