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Saenger Theatre: Mobile's Jewel of Joachim

Experience the grandeur of Mobile's Saenger Theatre, a beautifully restored landmark offering a diverse lineup of entertainment since 1927.

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The Saenger Theatre in Mobile, Alabama, is a historic landmark renowned for its stunning architecture and rich cultural history. Opened in 1927, this meticulously restored theater hosts a variety of events, from concerts and Broadway shows to symphony performances, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of entertainment.

A brief summary to Saenger Theatre Mobile

Local tips

  • Check the Saenger Theatre's event calendar in advance to plan your visit around a specific performance or show.
  • Consider booking parking in advance, as it can be scarce, especially during popular events.
  • Arrive early to explore the theater's architecture and historical features.
  • Note that the Saenger Theatre primarily operates on a cashless basis.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Bienville Square, walk two blocks south on N Joachim St to the Saenger Theatre, located at 6 S Joachim St. The walk is mostly flat and takes about 5 minutes. No costs are associated with this route.

  • Public Transport

    The Wave Transit System's Route 12, Highway 90, stops at the Saenger Theatre. From the GM&O Office, board the Route 12 bus and disembark at the Saenger Theatre stop. The bus fare is $1.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From the Mobile Regional Airport, a taxi or ride-share to the Saenger Theatre will take approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic. The estimated cost for a taxi or ride-share is $25-$35.

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Discover more about Saenger Theatre Mobile

The Saenger Theatre, located on Joachim Street in downtown Mobile, has been a centerpiece of the city's entertainment scene since its opening on January 19, 1927. Constructed at a cost of $500,000, the theater was designed by architect Emile Weil in the style of a French palace of the Renaissance, drawing inspiration from classical Greek mythology and Mobile's coastal setting. The theater's architecture boasts intricate details, including a tilted arcade, a grand marble staircase, ornate lamps and chandeliers, and decorative plasterwork featuring figures like Poseidon, Dionysus, and Pan. Originally, the Saenger featured 2,615 seats, later reduced to approximately 2,200 around 1950, and currently holds 1,921. The theater also included luxurious amenities such as retiring parlors for women and smoking rooms for men, as well as an advanced air conditioning system for the time. Throughout its history, the Saenger has hosted a wide array of performances, including silent movies, vaudeville shows, and the first America's Junior Miss pageant in 1958. After a period of decline and near demolition, the theater was saved by the University of South Alabama and later purchased by the City of Mobile. A non-profit organization, the Centre for the Living Arts, Inc., restored the theater to its former glory at a cost of about $6 million. Today, the Saenger Theatre continues to host a diverse range of events and is the official home of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra.

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