Astro Theater, Omaha

The Astro Theatre, now the Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center, is a historic former movie palace that has served several entertainment functions since the early 20th century. Designed in 1926 and opened as the Riviera Theatre on March 26, 1927, it originally presented films alongside stage shows.

The building became the Paramount Theatre in 1929 after its sale to Paramount interests. Following periods of closure and other uses, it reopened as the Astro Theatre in 1962, taking its name from astronaut John Glenn’s orbital flight. Regular cinema operations ended in 1979. Designed by theater architect John Eberson, the building combines Moorish, Classical Revival, and Italian Renaissance influences. Its exterior features patterned brickwork, glazed terra-cotta details, projecting windows, ornamental cornices, sculpted griffins, and a corner tower crowned by a copper dome. Inside, Eberson created an atmospheric theater resembling a Mediterranean courtyard beneath a night sky. Murals, balconies, fountains, mosaic floors, twinkling electric stars, and projected clouds completed the effect. The original auditorium seated about 2,776 people. The building also briefly served as a bowling venue and home to the professional Omaha Packers bowling team before returning to film exhibition. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and designated an Omaha Landmark in 1980.

After the cinema closed, Rose Blumkin purchased the property in 1981. A major restoration transformed it into the Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center, which reopened in 1995 as the home of The Rose Theater, presenting theatrical productions and arts education programs.