Aztec On The River
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104 N. St. Mary's Street - San Antonio, Texas 78205
On the Riverwalk at E.Commerce & N.St.Mary's
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[edit] History
Built in 1926, the Aztec Theater is the only surviving exotic-themed movie palace in Texas, U.S.A., and is one of the most impressive such buildings in the U.S.
Based on San Antonio’s Riverwalk, the second most popular tourist attraction in Texas, the Aztec Theatre is currently closed for renovation.
[edit] Architectural Features
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989 , it is decorated with vibrantly-colored columns, sculptures, furnishings and murals, many of which 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.
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.
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.
The Aztec On The River is quoted in Patricia Schultz's travel book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.
[edit] Retail shops
The Riverwalk level of the Aztec Theater features retail outlets and a restaurant:
- The Concession and Ticket Shop of the theater itself.
- San Antonio River Tours: River boats depart every hour from Aztec dock from noon to 9pm. Cruises are 35 to 40 minutes long and cover two and a half miles of San Antonio River Walk.
- It's Aglow: selling candles holders and ornaments made from a rock sourced from Utah.
- A Taste of Texas Wine: Offering a portfolio of wines from vintners across Texas.
- Iron Cactus Mexican Grill: Tex Mex Restaurant.
- Agave room: named one of the top ten tequila bars in the country, it feature over 80 selections of tequila from Mexico and specialize in a variety of margaritas and tequila drinks unique to Texas.
[edit] Gallery
 Grand auditorium |
 Masks and pipes |
 Renovated chandelier |
 Theater Organ |
 Banner |
 Grand Lobby |
 Aztec Mask |
