Egyptian Theatre
135 N. 2nd Street,
DeKalb,
IL
60115
135 N. 2nd Street,
DeKalb,
IL
60115
23 people
favorited this theater
Related Websites
The Egyptian Theatre (Official)
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Anderson Theater Company, Valos Theaters
Architects: Elmer F. Behrns
Functions: Movies (Classic), Movies (Independent), Performing Arts
Styles: Egyptian
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
815.758.1215
Nearby Theaters
Construction began in 1928, and the DeKalb Egyptian Theatre opened on December 10, 1929 with Edward Everett Horton in “The Hottentot”. It was created during a time when the entire country was caught up in the mystery of the discovery of King “Tut”’s Tomb. The entire country was infatuated with Egyptian clothing, parties, and young Hollywood was turning out mummy movies!!
The architect, Elmer F. Behrns, had studied and loved Egyptology. But instead of throwing together hieroglyphics, falcon wings, and other Egyptian motifs, Mr. Behrns designed this theater with one central theme, that of Ramses II, one of the Egyptian pharoahs.
The Egyptian Theatre’s facade is covered with light sage terra cotta and features a 20 foot tall stained glass window bearing the ancient sacred scarab, holding up the sun god Ra while standing on the earth.
On each side of the stained glass window are two huge pharaohs guarding over the entrance of the theater. The front of the theater is shaped like the gate of a great temple. The current marquee is the fourth marquee to adorn the theater and was commissioned during a recent restoration.
Stepping into the quiet small outer lobby is like stepping into the outer chamber of a tomb. With huge sandstone-like blocks for walls, the only adorned piece is the front of the ticket box office, dusky, sienna red with a golden sunburst above the window.
Passing through the glass doors into the main lobby, one finds the original mosaic multicolored tiled floor underfoot and the ceiling towers some 40 feet above. With cream colored plastered walls, eight towering ecru-colored pillars with adorned cornices of golden lotus blossoms and palm leaves, this stately hall is quietly elegant and is the setting for many private parties and weddings.
Two-thirds the way up the walls between each pillar are huge golden plaster urns, six in all, adorned with lotus buds and palm leaves. Above each urn are outstretched golden falcon wings with the sun entwined with golden serpents. Below each urn is a frosted sconce that matches the frosted milky colored commissioned chandelier that also bears the lotus blossom pattern. At the end of the main lobby is the original double staircase that cradles the chandelier, leading to the mezzanine and balcony.
Moving into the auditorium from the quiet and stately main lobby finds a royal Egyptian courtyard.
Truly, this theater is one of the more incredible examples of the Egyptian style.
Contributed by
Paul Salley
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Recent comments (view all 30 comments)
darrelmw, I was there in 1985-1986. I mainly worked concessions, but was also in the ticket booth at times. I have many fond memories of volunteering there. I was in Dekalb this past summer and couldn’t resist checking to see if I could get into the theatre. Well, I did get in and met the manager, who talked about what they’ve been doing to the theatre lately. I’m happy to report that the theatre looks great.
The Egyptian is alive and kicking. Check out this new article. http://blog.preservationnation.org/2013/03/18/dekalbs-historic-egyptian-theatre-a-pharaoh-inspired-space-gets-a-lively-afterlife/#.UUs7GRyKKuK
I am looking forward visiting & seeing the Christmas show this saturday night at 7:30pm. 12/20/14. Are you going Scott?
Bobby, unfortunately I won’t be in town this weekend. I’m about 5 hours away so it’s a problem attending events there.
December 7th, 1929 grand opening ad in the photo section.
According to the website the 35mm projection system has been restored.
Short piece about the Egyptian with photos.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/egyptian-theatre
The website is showing all performing arts attractions. No movies listed at all, current or classic.
Facebook page for the Egyptian Theatre. Shows films listed for October.
https://www.facebook.com/dekalbegyptiantheatre
Former Egyptian Theatre Executive Director Barbara Kummerfeldt passes away
DeKalb, IL – The Egyptian Theatre is saddened to announce that former Executive Director Barbara Kummerfeldt passed away on January 20th at the age of 87.
Kummerfeldt’s multi-decade history with the Egyptian Theatre started during the late 1970’s when she, along with her husband Irv, were part of the original steering committee that was instrumental in saving the Egyptian Theatre from the literal wrecking ball. She along with a group of concerned citizens worked to get the building listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1978 and formed the non-profit organization, Preservation of Egyptian Theatre, which continues to own and operate the Theatre to this day.
“Barb dedicated an impressive number of years to the Egyptian Theatre. There is no doubt she has left a lasting imprint on the history of the Theatre,” stated Alex Nerad, Egyptian Theatre Executive Director.
Thanks to Kummerfeldt’s efforts, she, along with many dedicated community members, were able to secure a $2.3 million grant from the State of Illinois in 1982. This money was used to restore the Theatre to its original 1929 splendor.
“Barb never wearied in her passion for the preservation of the Egyptian Theatre,” said DeKalb City Manager Bill Nicklas. “From the preservation campaign that she and her late husband, Irv, successfully led to renovate the historic theatre in the 1980s to the present, she thought about and talked about what might be done to make it better every day.”
When the Theatre reopened in 1983 after its restoration, she became the first Executive Director of the non-profit serving until 1988 where she helped to see that it was host to dozens of events a year including robust film programming.
“Without Barb Kummerfeldt there most likely would be a parking lot at 135 N. Second St. instead of the historic landmark Egyptian Theatre,” stated former Egyptian Theatre Board Member Barb Josh. “She not only cleared the initial hurdle of saving the Theatre from the wrecking ball, but the even larger one of funding its restoration and making it financially viable. She, along with her husband Irv, and a handful of others made the building operational so it could be open to the public during its restoration. In all aspects, she was always hands on.”
Many community members who worked with Kummerfeldt during her tenure at the Egyptian Theatre have begun to share their memories of Barb following her passing.
“It’s very possible that we would have never seen the revitalization of the Egyptian Theatre if it had not been for Irv and Barbara Kummerfeldt. As a matter of fact, this community treasure might not even be intact had it not been for the dogged determination of the Kummerfeldt’s over 40 years ago. Now, we share in the sadness in Barb’s passing, but we celebrate her stewardship that continued for many years following the establishment of the Preservation of Egyptian Theatre organization. We will continue the celebration of Barb Kummerfeldt’s life later this year, as we look forward to a gala grand opening of the Egyptian Theatre,” stated City of DeKalb Mayor Jerry Smith.
“The City of DeKalb has lost a champion. The dedication of Barb Kummerfeldt, as Director of the Egyptian Theatre merits a chapter in the community’s history,” stated charter P.E.T. members Roger and Mary Keys. “Barb championed the Egyptian as a cultural arts center for the city when the building was filled with snow and falling apart. Beginning in the late 1970’s as a charter member of Preservation of Egyptian Theatre she opened her home for meetings, helped keep the lights on during trying times and supported fellow volunteers. With grateful hearts we mourn her passing.”
“When I first came to NIU/DeKalb, Barbara Kummerfeldt was one of the first people to welcome me and got on the bandwagon of supporting the NIU Show Band. The method to her madness was getting me to support her and Irv’s efforts in saving the Egyptian Theatre. DeKalb will forever be indebted to Barbara Kummerfeldt for her love, commitment, and preservation of the theatre – a DeKalb Treasure.” stated Michael Embrey who presented shows at the Egyptian Theatre during Kummerfeldt’s tenure.
Her longstanding impact on the Egyptian Theatre will forever be a part of its rich history.
Additional memories and tributes will continue to be shared on the Egyptian Theatre social media and website: www.egyptiantheatre.org.