History of the Bama Theatre

The Bama Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa, is one of the city's most cherished historic landmarks. Constructed in 1937–1938 during the New Deal era, the theatre was a joint effort between the City of Tuscaloosa and the federal Public Works Administration. Built on the former site of City Hall and the municipal jail, the $200,000 project was Tuscaloosa’s first fully air-conditioned public building. Designed by Birmingham architect David O. Whilldin in the sleek “PWA Moderne” style, the theatre was part of a combined complex that also housed the city’s municipal offices.

The Bama Theatre officially opened its doors on April 12, 1938, with a festive parade featuring Disney characters and the University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band. That evening, guests gathered to watch Bringing Up Baby, starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant.

The building’s architectural details have always been a major draw. The exterior, composed of limestone and granite, features Roman-inspired roundels and sculpted panels. Inside, the lobby was modeled after the medieval Davanzati Palace in Florence, with ornate details like faux balconies, cherub plaques, and a central fountain. The auditorium is an atmospheric marvel, designed to resemble a Mediterranean courtyard under a starlit sky, complete with painted murals by Italian artist Navino Nataloni and a ceiling illuminated with twinkling lights arranged by an astronomer to mirror the night sky.

Originally serving both civic and cultural purposes, the theatre was home to city offices until 1968, after which the building was sold and transitioned fully into an arts venue.

In 1976, The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa began leasing the space and transformed the Bama into a community performing arts center where it is 1 of 97 atmospheric theatres in the United States.

Over the years, the venue has hosted a wide variety of performances by local groups, including the Tuscaloosa Children’s Theatre and the Tuscaloosa Community Dancers. It also became home to the popular Bama Art House film series, showcasing independent and documentary films, as well as concerts and special events.

Throughout its history, the 986 seat Bama Theatre has undergone several renovations to preserve its beauty and improve its functionality. Key upgrades include the expansion of the box office in 1996, mural restoration in 2013, the addition of a digital projection system in 2015, and a new LED marquee in 2017. A major renovation in 2022 replaced the auditorium seating and carpet, further enhancing the patron experience. In 2024, the theatre added a unified box office system and part-time and full-time staff.

Recognized for its historical and architectural significance, the Bama Theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and is a contributing structure within the Downtown Tuscaloosa Historic District.

Today, the Bama Theatre is owned by the Parks and Recreation and managed by The Arts Council, a nonprofit organization founded in 1970. It continues to serve as a cultural hub for the region, offering a vibrant schedule of live performances, film screenings, community events, and educational programs.

As you explore the theatre, take time to admire the ornate lobby, the stunning starry ceiling of the auditorium, and the rich legacy that continues to make the Bama Theatre a treasured piece of Tuscaloosa’s history.