The Historic Elitch Theatre is over 130-years old and is currently in the 20th year of a restoration and preservation project. The theatre theatre has been a vital part of Colorado’s cultural landscape since it opened in 1891. As one of Colorado’s first cultural centers, the Elitch Theatre was home to the oldest summer stock theatre in America and hosted the screening of Colorado’s first moving picture in 1896. Legends of American theater performed on this stage: Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks, Grace Kelly, Vincent Price, and Edward G. Robinson, are among the alumni of the Historic Elitch Theatre.
Since 2002 the Historic Elitch Theatre Foundation has been working to restore and preserve Denver's oldest cultural venue. Following 20-years of preservation work, the board of the theatre is excited to announce that live theatre will return to the stage in the summer of 2023. Please take a minute to support the ongoing work to save this beautiful theatre, and support our upcoming summer of programs!
How Your Donations Help
"One of the greatest cradles of the drama in American history." -- Cecil B. DeMille (Summer Stock Alumnus - 1905)
"As one of Colorado's most iconic theatres, I declare the summer of 2016 as the summer of Historic Elitch Theatre." -- Then-Governor John Hickenlooper
A historic treasure inviting the community to gather, create, learn, and inspire.
About Us
The theatre closed in 1991 and the amusement park moved downtown in 1995. The theatre was saved, but it sat empty for a decade.
A nonprofit organization, The Historic Elitch Gardens Theatre Foundation was formed in 2002 to raise funds for the restoration, as well as to maintain, preserve and restore the theatre and the carousel pavilion. (The Foundation now works under the 'dba' of Historic Elitch Theatre -- aka HET.)
In 2006, the Foundation received $5 million in federal, state, and city funding, plus grants and private donations. Work began on phase 1 -- saving and restoring the historic exterior. The process began with restoring the building's exterior, including a concrete foundation under the exterior walls. The roof, gable, main entrance/lobby, and exterior walls were replaced and painted. A section of dressing rooms and shops on the West side of the building was demolished. Exterior restoration on the historic auditorium was completed in 2007.
Phase 2 of the restoration (2013-2014) included various health and safety upgrades, including restoring electricity and lighting throughout the building and the addition of a fire suppression system. This upgrade allowed the theatre to get temporary occupancy and begin tours and limited events.
With the completion of Phase 3 (2020-2021) restrooms were added, a new roof was put on, and various other upgrades were made, allowing for the theatre to gain a certificate of permanent occupancy.
Fundraising continues for interior renovations, including the need for theatre rigging, lighting, and sound. The vision is to serve as a community arts center for the education and presentation of theatre, music, and film.
Organization name
Historic Elitch Theatre
other names
HET
2002
Tax id (EIN)
46-0492147
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Small Organization
Address
4600 W 37th PlaceMailing
PO Box 12580 .Denver County, CO, US
Jefferson County, CO, US
Boulder County, CO, US
Adams County, CO, US
Arapahoe County, CO, US