Walking in the Delmar Loop, one can’t help but notice the Tivoli Theater.
Its glowing pink sign and glittering, old-fashioned marquee dominate the street’s landscape. This commanding architectural feature only seems fitting for an institution that has become synonymous with the revived neighborhood.
While the University City neighborhood has gone through periods of decline and expansion, the movie theater has survived for more than 80 years. Thanks to its quirky, retro charm that distinguishes it in a world dominated by 20-screen megaplexes and noisy arcades, the theater, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, provides an alternative destination for the sophisticated moviegoer.
The theater, erected in 1924, is a shining example of 20th Century Italian Renaissance architecture. The style is characterized by its utilization of classical elements like columns, arched windows and doorways and elaborate moldings.
The Tivoli underwent a series of different owners throughout the second half of the century and fell into a state of disrepair. Joe and Linda Edwards, the duo that is now largely credited with shocking the life back into the then-code-blue neighborhood, bought the theater in 1994. The couple, also owners of other popular Delmar Loop hangouts like Blueberry Hill, Pin-Up Bowl and the Pageant, oversaw a two million dollar renovation that restored the Tivoli to its original splendor.
Patrons can see how much progress the theater has made for themselves. Before pictures of the then-derelict Tivoli are displayed in the now ornate lobby. These pictures are contrasted with the restored luxurious interior, featuring atmospheric dim lighting and an abundance of displays of cinema memorabilia.
Cinematic relics with a local flavor, like posters for A Streetcar named Desire and Meet Me in St. Louis are featured prominently. Looking up, one can admire the meticulously restored original molding and large chandeliers greeting audiences from the ceilings.
“Joe [Edwards] had it done right,” said employee Alisha Webb. “This is the way it’s meant to be.”
“I love that it’s a historic building,” Kevin Schneider, another theater employee, said.
The theater’s trendy location might be the reason for the theater’s success. It screens more offbeat and independent films that wouldn’t necessarily be successful at more mainstream theaters like the Galleria.
“It gets loads of action, really,” Schneider said.
Dale Sweet, Tivoli manager, speculates that the average patron is “by and large more educated,” a demographic that allows the theater to present more, “progressive, unusual,” features.
The theater specializes in independent, foreign and local features as opposed to explosion-laden blockbusters. Currently, the movies playing include the critically-acclaimed, Oscar nominated Mickey Rourke starring film The Wrestler, directed by Darren Aronofsky, and a collection of Oscar-nominated short films.
“It’s a special place,” Sweet said. “Most of the things we show are different, things you can’t see anywhere else.”
For more information about the Tivoli Theater, including show times, visit http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/St.Louis/TivoliTheatre.htm.
