Recap: Architecture of the MCA – The Holiday Theatre

About the tour: Tour-goers got an inside look at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver’s new Northside hub, the 400-seat Holiday Theater. The group heard how the venue, formerly known as the Egyptian Theater, aims to realize one-of-a-kind, creative experiences in its historic and inspiring space. Explore its original Egyptian-inspired decor, preserved despite numerous renovations over the decades. Attendees learned more about the history of the theater and how it has continually played an important role in the Northside community.

About the building: The storefront building housing the Holiday Theater was constructed in 1914, and the theater space was added in 1926. First known as the Egyptian Theater, the interior details capitalized on public interest in all things Egyptian following the discovery of King Tut’s tomb. It was renamed the Holiday Theater in 1953 and was the first theater in Colorado to present Spanish-language films. The Holiday Theater was purchased in 2021 by the Denver Cultural Property Trust, established by Continuum Partners and MCA Denver Emeritus Board Member Mark Falcone, ensuring the building will be a long-term, affordable arts hub for MCA Denver.

About the tour guides: Tai Bickham, Community Outreach & Partnerships Manager, Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, oversees the museum’s community outreach and engagement programs and events. She also facilitates the advisory cabinet for the Holiday Theater, established to curate community programming that honors the history of the theater and the neighborhood. Originally from Colorado Springs, she graduated from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs with a B.A. in Communications and received her A.A. in Photography and Design from the Art Institute of Colorado.

Theodore Schultz, Principal, Theodore Schultz Architect, LLC, is a practicing architect involved in the thoughtful renovation of the Holiday Theater. Across his numerous projects in Denver and beyond, joyful and generous architecture is the goal. His collaborative work frequently involves existing buildings. As an architect, he endeavors to go beyond satisfying the needs of individuals to helping them create meaning and delight in the community.