Artistic Splendor

Interior surfaces of the recently restored Cutler Majestic Theatre at 219 Tremont Street in the heart of Boston's Back Bay are swirled with rich, red marble and crowned with gold-leafed masks, leaves, and cherubs. Thick garlands of fruits and flowers adorn walls and columns. Full-figured sculpt...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Buildings 2004-06, Vol.98 (6), p.38
Main Author: Suttell, Robin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
21st century
Acoustics
Appointments & personnel changes
Architects
Architecture
Design
Historic buildings & sites
Lighting
Modernization
Performing arts
Renovation & restoration
Theater
Theaters & cinemas
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Summary:Interior surfaces of the recently restored Cutler Majestic Theatre at 219 Tremont Street in the heart of Boston's Back Bay are swirled with rich, red marble and crowned with gold-leafed masks, leaves, and cherubs. Thick garlands of fruits and flowers adorn walls and columns. Full-figured sculptures lean over their guests, peering down from walls. The ceiling's golden latticing is garnished with grape clusters. Underneath the painstaking gilded reconstruction of the 30,000-square-foot Majestic's original 1903 glory, lies the framework of a highly technical performing arts hall, which offers up the latest technologies in sound, lighting, video, and acoustics - not to mention improvements in all other areas of the grand old building. The $7 million restoration and modernization endeavor was led by Boston-based Elkus/Manfredi Architects, who oversaw all facets of redesigning the Majestic as a 21st century theatre inside a 19th century landmark. Originally designed as a Beaux Arts opera house by noted architect John Galen Howard, the Majestic was a pioneer in theatrical design underneath its gilded aesthetic splendor. It was the first Boston theatre designed without pillars.
ISSN:0007-3725
2471-3112