Egyptian Theatre, Boise

The Egyptian Theatre "embodies the characteristic features of the land of the Nile, from the truncated pyramids which form the great pylons, to the lotus bud pillars with their ornate frescoes." So a local newspaper declared when the Theatre opened in 1927. The theatre, located in Ada County, was also known as the Ada Theatre.

The theatre was designed by Frederick C. Hummel, of the architectural firm of Tourtellotte & Hummel of Boise. The style of the theatre echoes the Egyptian revival. This style was ignited by the discovery of the tomb of King Tut. The theatre was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

The theatre stands out among the few great, whimsical palaces surviving from the 20s. The Cinema is alive and well at the Egyptian. The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum all premiered here. Actor Aaron Paul streamed the 14th episode of Breaking Bad at the grand old Ada.