Gem Theatre

120 N. Trice Street,
Claude, TX 79019

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Additional Info

Functions: Live Performances, Movies

Styles: Pueblo Deco

Previous Names: Claudia Theatre, Rialto Theatre, New Rialto Theatre

Nearby Theaters

Gem Theatre...Claude Texas

The Claudia Theatre opened on October 8, 1915 as a live theatre and later went on to movies. It was later renamed Rialto Theatre and then New Rialto Theatre before becoming the Gem Theatre. The building was purchased in 1992 by the Armstrong County Museum. It has been beautifully restored to its original decor. It is part of a six building museum and theatre.

The theatre is equipped with VHS video projection, satellite and Dolby surround sound equipment. It has a small stage where live performances are also presented on a regular basis. The beautifully restored red velvet drapes highlight the stage area. It has been listed as a Texas Historical Site.

The exterior in its brown hues has a starburst effect over an exterior lobby with a center box office that has also been restored. There is a large sign above the box office with “Gem Theatre” painted on it.

The six buildings that incorporate the museum and theatre have been given pretty much the same exterior decor. The entire block is somewhat of a gem.

Contributed by Chuck Van Bibber

Recent comments (view all 7 comments)

deleted user
[Deleted] on January 27, 2005 at 12:13 pm

This is a very nice place to visit they is adding 3 more buildings for total of 9. The theatre section has 190 seats.

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on March 18, 2007 at 11:01 am

This is a 1985 photo by Michael Putnam:
http://tinyurl.com/yod98y

irpworks
irpworks on September 3, 2007 at 9:26 pm

Here is a photo of the Gem in Claude I tool on 01 Sept. 2007.

View link

Texas2step
Texas2step on February 19, 2017 at 4:45 pm

This one did open in 1915 but it opened as the Claudia Theatre. The Claudia Theatre was later renamed Rialto and then New Rialto before becoming the Gem Theatre.

MovieMark
MovieMark on October 26, 2023 at 2:25 am

The Gem Theatre, interior and exterior, appeared in the 1963 film, “Hud.”

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