Bluebird Theater

“A concert hall that started as a movie theater?” a young man in a faded band t-shirt mused aloud, staring up at the Bluebird Theater. This very spot on East Colfax Avenue has seen Denver evolve around it since 1914. The Bluebird Theater first opened its doors as the Thompson Theater, Denver’s first dedicated movie house. Designed by architect Harry W.J. Edbrooke, the Bluebird Theater stands as a testament to a city’s changing tastes. It reflects a fascinating blend of architectural styles, hinting at the transition from the late Victorian era to the burgeoning Art Deco movement. You can see hints of Commercial style in its decorative cornices, the ground-floor storefront, the flat roof, and the masonry walls. But the vibrant, geometric ornamentation and that iconic marquee scream early 20th century Art Deco. Those four Victorian-style finials perched atop the cornice add yet another layer to this architectural tapestry. In 1921, movie mogul Harry Huffman acquired the theater and renamed it the Bluebird. He later built a mansion inspired by the film “Lost Horizon,” showcasing his love for the silver screen. Huffman expanded his empire, opening other Denver theaters like the American and the Orpheum. During World War II, the Bluebird Theater wasn’t just about entertainment. It became a hub for patriotism, selling war bonds to its audience. In fact, the Bluebird won a competition among Huffman’s theaters for selling the most war bonds per seat. Sadly, the Bluebird’s fortunes waned in later years, showing discounted B-movies and even briefly venturing into adult films in the 1970s. By 1987, it had closed its doors. But the story doesn’t end there. In the mid-1990s, new owners breathed life back into the Bluebird, transforming it into the live music venue we know and love today. A $5,000 grant from the Colorado State Historical Fund helped restore the magnificent marquee, ensuring its vibrant glow continues to beckon music lovers. Today, the Bluebird Theater hosts an eclectic mix of artists, from up-and-coming local bands to internationally renowned musicians. It stands as a symbol of resilience, a testament to the power of community and the enduring magic of live music.