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AZTEC ON THE RIVER

Built in 1926, the Aztec Theatre was one of the most impressive exotic-themed movie palaces in the country.

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Based on San Antonio’s Riverwalk, the second most popular tourist attraction in Texas, the new Aztec On The River re-opened in 2006. It has been meticulously restored to its original grandeur and updated with a giant iWerks Extreme Screen.

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Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is decorated with vibrantly-colored columns, scultures, furnishings and murals, many of wich are authentic reproductions of Meso-American artifacts. Hanging in front of the stage is the original fire screen, a painting depicting the meeting of the Aztec ruler Montezuma II and Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes in 1519.

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A massive two-ton chandelier dominates the theater lobby. Added to the theatre in 1929, the chandelier has been completely restored by the grandson of the original designer.

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Also restored is the Mighty Wurlitzer theater Organ conducting its 1,700 pipes and percussion instruments. The 1925 Wurlitzer pipework was actually produced for the Publix Theatre Corporation and the master console was manufactured for the Paramount Corporation.

Aztec On the River is the only surviving exotic-themed movie Palace in Texas.

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