Built in 1926, the Aztec Theater is a notable example of the exotic—theme motion picture palaces constructed in the United States during the economic boom of the 1920s. Although the exterior is relatively plain, the interior of the theater is embellished with elements inspired by Mesoamerican culture. On either side of the stage, glowing red lights shine through the eyes of the sculpted faces of the Aztec moon goddess Coyolxauhqui, whose face also appears atop the two—story columns in the grand foyer.

The Society purchased the Aztec with nearly all of the original features intact in 1988 for $1 million to save the building from demolition. The Society also purchased the assets of the theater and continued to show films briefly. In 1992, the Aztec was listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the only surviving example of a Mayan Revival style theater in Texas, as well as one of the few examples of the style remaining in the nation. The Society sold the Aztec Building with preservation covenants in 1993. Baron Theodore Bracht, who purchased the building in 1998, completed a stunning $20 million restoration in 2006.

Courtesy of the San Antonio Conservation Society

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