Art deco institution since 1906 for various music shows & mostly avant-garde films.
The Boulder Theater, operated by Z2 Entertainment, LLC., is an anchor to the downtown, providing a venue for events ranging from concerts to business meetings, to film festivals and private parties. The building is like a cat with many lives over its 116-year history.
It opened in 1906 as the Curran Opera House but expanded its programming to include ballet, church festivals, orchestral concerts, early silent films and even children’s shows. It was a sure sign that Boulder was becoming civilized. Political campaigns used the theater too. Franklin Roosevelt, a vice-presidential candidate in 1920 spoke here. In 1936 the Curran was reborn with a new structure; a movie palace renamed the Boulder Theater. The architecture was cutting edge for its day, inspired by the new courthouse across the street. The entry marquee, tile façade and elaborate murals inside are among the best examples of the Art Devo style in all of Colorado.
