Designed by Marcus Priteca, the Coliseum Theater opened in 1916 in Seattle as a 2,400 seat silent movie cinema. Hailed as one of the world’s first “photoplay palaces,” it featured a mix of renaissance ornamentation (masks, wreaths, cartouches) and Egyptian mosaics and motifs. The color scheme featured “Byzantine orange” and black.

In 1950, the interior was modernized, masking much of the original ornamentation, and the original 1915 interior was forgotten. The original corner entry - featuring a cupola and quarter-spherical dome inspired by the Parthenon - was demolished for a new marquee featuring a Motion Picture Association statue, although few are likely to remember seeing it, as it was taken down and not replaced.

In 1993, much of the theater interior (the lower auditorium and mezzanine level) was demolished and converted to a Banana Republic. Structural upgrades were partial. The upstairs balcony was abandoned, but left in place - a forgotten Seattle space. The 1950’s marquee was removed, although the white terra cotta exterior was restored and designated on the National Registry.

Our team was asked to research and visualize the historic interior. Utilizing archival photographs, newspaper clippings, magazine features, and original architectural drawings, we reconstructed the 1915 space including original ornamentation and murals.

Learn more about redevelopment efforts and current uses of the theater building.