A History of Egyptian Revival Architecture and the Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb, Illinois

posted on: Jun 8, 2021

By: Claire Boyle/Arab America Contributing Writer

Introduction:

What is Egyptian Revival architecture? Where can you find examples of this interesting and intriguing style within the United States? Join me on a journey to learn more about this fascinating style, its motifs, its impact on popular culture, and where to find these buildings. Not only will you learn the history behind the Egyptian Revival architectural style, but we will also explore one of the best-known examples still in existence today. This is the Egyptian Theatre in the city of DeKalb, Illinois.

History of Egyptian Revival Architecture:

So, what are the defining features of the Egyptian Revival architectural style? Well for one, its style uses “motifs and imagery [that reminiscence those of] ancient Egypt,” and these buildings began to gain popularity after the Napoleonic expedition of Egypt, and it reached its height in popular culture after the discovery of “Tutankhamun’s tomb by archaeologist, Howard Carter” in the early 1920s.

The phenomenon of Egyptian Revival architecture is not limited to the United States. During the Victorian era in Europe in the 1800s, the English, French, and other nationalities became quite fascinated with Egyptology and its building style. Canada, Australia, South Africa, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Malaysia also continue to show interest in Egyptian Revival architecture.

Typically, a building constructed in the Egyptian Revival tends to have columns. Additionally, they will usually have some décor pieces that represent ancient Egyptian culture such as the heads of a god or goddess, or pharaoh. A lot of them will also have artwork depicting scenes that appear on hieroglyphs and in mythology as well. As you can see in the picture above from the Isis Shrine in Geyserville, California, some structures are quite colorful. They might also celebrate the various gods that are famous in ancient Egyptian culture such as Isis and Ra, along with famous pharaohs like Ramses II.

What is the Egyptian Theatre?

So, you might be asking, what is the Egyptian Theatre and why is it important? Well, for one thing, it is one of only six theatres that still exist today in the United States that are examples of the Egyptian Revival architectural style. It is also a local landmark in the city of DeKalb, Illinois, which is west of Chicago. As mentioned previously, buildings in the style of the Egyptian Revival tend to base their construction off at least one of the prominent gods in the ancient Egyptian belief systems. In this case, the Egyptian Theatre’s architectural style is based on that of the sun god, Ra. This deity was also believed to rule parts of the “created world including the sky, Earth, and the underworld,”.

The Egyptian Theatre was built by the architect Elmer F. Behrns, who had an interest in Egyptology. It was erected in the 1920’s during the cultural fascination and craze following the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb. The Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb was built in “1928 to 1929, it was added to the list of the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1978. It seats a little over about 1,400 people, making it DeKalb’s largest theatre in the city.”

Significant Architectural Elements of the Egyptian Theatre:

The Egyptian Theatre has some very significant features that depict ancient Egyptian culture. Here is your guide to learn about them!

When Behrns (the architect) designed the ‘Egyptian’, he made its focus be Pharaoh Ramses II. The outside of the theatre was built using “a light sage terra cotta with a 20-foot tall stained-glass window the ancient symbol of the scarab holding up Ra, the sun god who is standing on top of the Earth,”. Additionally, we see motifs of two “unnamed pharaohs who ‘guard’ the exterior of the theatre. The lobby of the ‘Egyptian’ emulates that of an ancient tomb. Finally, throughout the theatre, there are elements of sandstone, mosaics, lotus blossoms, falcon wings, and the auditorium is meant to look like an Egyptian courtyard.”

What is the Egyptian Theatre Used for Today?

So, you might be wondering what is the purpose of the Egyptian Theatre. And besides its landmark status, is it an active institution? In non-COVID-19 times, the Egyptian Theatre was very active. It has hosted big-name acts such “as Gaelic Storm, Rick Springfield, Los Lobos, Tori Amos, and Journey/Cheap Trick, among others.” Typically, people who visit the ‘Egyptian’ tend to go there to have a more intimate experience. Currently, the Egyptian Theatre is undergoing renovations to historically preserve it for many generations to come. Finally, in COVID-19 times, the theatre is hosting screenings of famous classic movies such as “Frozen,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Sound of Music,” “The Nutcracker movie,” and some small tribute-band experiences which are in accordance with local restrictions as well.

Conclusion:

Thank you for joining this exciting journey to learn more about this fascinating architectural style! DeKalb has its own little piece of history. This famous architectural style swept the world by storm in the early 1900s! If you would like to learn more about the Egyptian Theatre’s history and the Egyptian Revival architectural style, you can visit their website here! Have fun exploring, but watch out for the ghosts that loom the halls since it is rumored that the theatre is haunted! Thank you for learning more about this cultural gem tucked away in the city of DeKalb, Illinois!

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