The Bluebird Theatre

Denver's Bluebird Theater opened in 1915 as a neighborhood movie theater and was purchased six years lager by theater mogul Harry Huffman. Similar to other small movie theaters that faced declining patronage, this theater became known for showing X-rated movies in the 1970s. Thanks to the efforts of preservationists and civic leaders who supported a restoration of the historic venue, it reopened in 1994 as a venue for live music.

The theater opened in 1915 as Thompson Theatre, named in honor of owner John Thompson. It was designed by Harry W.J. Edbrooke who came from a family of well-known architects. Edbrooke is known today for his work designing the Denver Gas & Electric Building and the First National Bank.

In 1921, Harry Huffman, a theatre mogul, purchased the theatre. He renamed it The Bluebird. During WWII, Huffman offered War Bonds to patrons who filled his seats. After WWII, the theatre entered a difficult period as newer suburban multi-plexes rose to prominence. Management tried offering lower prices and showed small, low-budget productions and art films without much success. By the 1970s, it began showing adult films. The movie theatre officially closed in 1987.

In 1994 Chris Swank and Evan Dechtman purchased the Bluebird and renovated the theatre to be a live music venue. AEG took over the property in 2006. Since reopening as a music venue, many contemporary musicians have graced the stage. Amongst locals, this theatre is the best for sound quality. 

1. Noel, Thomas J. Bluebird Theatre's Blue Nights, Denver Public Library. September 30th 2012. Accessed July 18th 2020. https://history.denverlibrary.org/news/bluebird-theaters-blue-nights.
2. Venue Info, The Bluebird Theatre. Accessed July 18th 2020. https://www.bluebirdtheater.net/venue-info.
3. The Bluebird Theatre, History of Colorado. Accessed July 18th 2020. https://www.historycolorado.org/location/bluebird-theater.
4. Bauer, Kimberly . The Bluebird, Pedaling Preservation. January 24th 2015. Accessed July 22nd 2020. https://pedalingpreservation.wordpress.com/2015/01/24/bluebird-theater/.
5. Register Form, National Register of Historic Places. Accessed July 22nd 2020. https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/GetAsset/1ac13bd5-d962-4abe-b072-bb283c517605/.