Birmingham in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
The Alabama Theatre
Built 1927
Photographed By Tim Carr, March 10, 2008
1. The Alabama Theatre Marker
Built by the Publix Theater division of Paramount Studios. This movie palace opened on December 26th, 1927. The theatre, in Spanish / Moorish design by Graven and Mayger of Chicago, seated 2500 in a five story, three-tiered auditorium. Paramount's president, Adolph Zukor, named it the "Showplace Of The South". The famous "Mighty Wurlitzer" pipe organ, with 21 sets of pipes, was played for many years by showman Stanleigh Malotte. The Alabama hosted many events including the Miss Alabama Pageant and the Mickey Mouse Club. Closed in 1981, the magnificent old theatre was saved from demolition in 1987 by countless volunteers, organized as Birmingham Landmarks, Inc. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated by the Alabama Legislature as the official State Historic Theatre. Over 500,000 annually visit the grand old theatre for movies, concerts, opera, ballet, weddings, graduations and private parties.Erected 1998 by The Birmingham - Jefferson Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
this page online
Location. 33° 30.906′ N, 86° 48.552′ W. Marker is in Birmingham, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker is on 3rd Avenue North, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1817 Third Avenue North, Birmingham AL 35203, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Woman in Paddy Wagon (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Music in the Movement (about 300 feet away); Loveman's Department Store/McWane Science Center (about 300 feet away); Let My Brother Go (about 300 feet away); Alabama Penny Savings Bank/Pythian Temple Building (about 300 feet away); S. H. Kress Five-And-Ten Cent Store (about 300 feet away); Sitting in for Lunch (about 400 feet away); Shutting Down Downtown (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Birmingham.
Also see . . .
1. The Wurlitzer at the Alabama Theatre. This link shows images and tell the history of the Wurlizer Organ (Big Bertha) at the Alabama Theatre. (Submitted on February 7, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama.)
2. The Alabama Theatre's Website. (Submitted on February 7, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama.)
3. The Alabama Theatre from Bham Wiki
Photographed By Tim Carr, March 10, 2008
2. The Alabama Theatre
Photographed By Tim Carr, December 19, 2004
3. Interior Views of The Alabama Theatre
Photographed By Tim Carr, December 19, 2004
4. Stenciling and gilded decor of the Alabama Theatre
Photographed By Tim Carr, December 19, 2004
5. Interiors Views Of The Alabama Theatre
Photographed By Tim Carr, December 19, 2004
6. Night View Of The Alabama Theatre's Sign and Marquee
Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 7, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 2,122 times since then and 81 times this year. Last updated on February 9, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. It was the Marker of the Week February 21, 2010. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 7, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
