Alabama Theater is one of the tourist attractions one can find in Downtown Birmingham, Alabama. Birmingham, also known as ‘The Magic City’, is famously known for its vibrant food scene, artistic attractions, and industrial heritage. Alabama Theater is one of the spotlights of the city.

About the Theater

The Alabama Theatre was constructed in 1927 as a movie palace to show Paramount films. The Birmingham Theater district once housed a plethora of large theaters, with Alabama being the largest and only district theater still in operation today. 

The theater was built at a time when films were silent and required musical accompaniment. This was usually provided by an orchestra or a pipe organ in a theater. The organ contains a plethora of percussion instruments and sound effects that accompany silent films. The organ at the Alabama is a Crawford Special-Publix One Mighty Wurlitzer. Only seventeen of these models were built, and Alabama’s is one of only three that are still operational in their original locations. The Alabama Theater and its historic organ were added to the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage in 1977, and the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. It should be of note that the facility is designated as the state’s historic theater.

Features of the Theater

The Alabama Theatre for the Performing Arts has a seating capacity of 2500. The facility hosts many live events, as well as films. Every year, over 150 events are held at the Theatre, which are attended by 150,000 people from the Birmingham area. Some of these events include live musical programs, nostalgic old movies, and concerts. On nights when there is no special guest performer, the theater hosts “ONE The Show,” a variety show featuring comedy, country, gospel, and rock music, among other genres. The Alabama Theatre’s Christmas show is also a well-attended event. It runs from early November to late December. The theater also hosts the Miss Alabama beauty pageant.

The Alabama Theatre also has an event complex that can be booked for weddings, luncheons, and business meetings. The event space includes two rooms: the elegant Banquet Hall, which features chandeliers from the original Tutwiler Hotel, and The Loft, which overlooks the iconic Alabama Theatre marquee. The complex has all of the amenities required to host a stress-free event that will impress guests. Their amenities include secure WiFi, accessible parking, a catering room, dressing rooms with lighted mirrors, and on-site sound & lighting equipment.

The Alabama Theater is situated at 1817 Third Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203, US. For membership, volunteering, and ticket information.