Architecture of MCA Denver: The Holiday Theater
November 17, 2026
DAF Member tickets go on sale on October 27 at 4PM MST. Pending availability, tickets to the public go on sale November 3 at 4PM MST. DAF Membership will be verified upon ticket purchase. Click here to become a DAF member.
About the tour: Join the Denver Architecture Foundation for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver’s Northside hub, the historic Holiday Theater. Once known as the Egyptian Theater, this beautifully restored 400-seat venue blends rich history with bold creative vision. Discover the theater’s stunning Egyptian-inspired architectural details, many of which have been carefully preserved through decades of transformation. Along the way, uncover fascinating stories from the theater’s past and learn how it continues to serve as a vibrant gathering place for the Northside community while hosting innovative performances, programs, and one-of-a-kind artistic experiences.
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: Ian Morrison, the Tour Coordinator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, works to maintain, grow, and enhance the visitor experience at the MCA Denver through guided and self guided tours. They also manage the front desk and gallery attendants at the MCA most days of the week, welcoming and informing guests about the current exhibitions on display as the face of the museum. Originally from Evansville, Indiana, they graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with two B.A. degrees in history and world languages and cultures. Ian has been working at MCA Denver for nearly three years and currently attends the University of Colorado Denver for an M.A. in cultural history.
Accessibility: Portions of the Holiday Theater tour are not wheelchair accessible and require the use of stairs. Seating opportunities during the 60-minute tour may be limited.
Refund policy: The Denver Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization. Ticket sales support the Foundation in continuing to provide quality events to the public. We are unable to provide refunds or credits for any reason less than 48 hours prior to the event.
Please note that DAF tours take place rain, snow or shine. If your tour includes an outdoor portion, please dress for the weather. DAF staff will contact all attendees directly should a tour be cancelled for any reason.