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Why is MCA Denver leasing the Holiday Theater?
With a long-term lease at the Holiday Theater, MCA Denver will greatly advance our mission to celebrate and scrutinize the field of contemporary art, while also providing a platform for creative expression.
MCA Denver’s goals for our initiative at the Holiday Theater are:
- To be a beacon of creativity for artists and the surrounding community through artist residencies, public art projects, and artist-led programming.
- To be a trusted partner to artists and community members by co-creating opportunities for students at neighboring high schools and colleges, providing a home for small arts-based non-profits, and forming long-term partnerships with performing arts organizations.
- To be an incubator for creative practice by offering rehearsal and performance spaces and providing professional services and career development opportunities to artists.
The Denver Cultural Property Trust, established by Continuum Partners’ CEO and MCA Denver Emeritus Board Member, Mark Falcone, purchased the Holiday Theater, which includes the theater itself, 15 apartments both above and adjacent to the theater, as well as the retail spaces along the side of the building. The Trust’s mission is to preserve important commercial spaces and residences on a long-term, affordable basis for artists and creative practitioners in the community. Its unique ownership structure allows buildings purchased at market price to be leased to the city’s creative workforces and the organizations that support them at below-market rents.
In all, the museum will occupy about one-third of the entire property, which includes the theater itself. The Denver Cultural Property Trust will manage the additional spaces in the facility, including the residences, potential artist’s studios, and other retail and programmatic opportunities.
What type of programming is held at the Holiday?
This is THE space in the city to experience something memorable, under-the-radar, and unexpected. From stimulating panels to experimental performances from up-and-coming artists, performers, poets, dancers, and others often traditionally left out of museum spaces.
What are the theater’s policies on…
- Lost and found
- Email programs@mcadenver.org if you've lost an item and someone will assist you.
- Photography:
- You are welcome to take photographs at the Holiday Theater for your personal, non-commercial use, unless otherwise posted. Flash photography and tripods are not permitted. Share your photos and videos on social media and tag us @mca_holidaytheater on Instagram or @mcadenver on TikTok!
- All commercial or portrait shoots must be approved and scheduled in advance and must take place outside of regular museum hours. Rental and staffing fees may apply. Email rentals@mcadenver.org to learn more.
- All media requests, including requests for images of objects or the building for publication, can be directed to media@mcadenver.org.
- Refunds:
- Refunds for programs held at the Holiday Theater can be made no later than one week before the performance date. Email programs@mcadenver.org for assistance.
- Smoking and alcohol:
- Smoking is not permitted inside of the theater or within 15 feet of any of the entrances on our shared block. Alcohol will be available for purchase for those aged 21 and over.
- Service Animals:
- Service animals are always welcome. We ask that other animals remain at home.
- Security and safety:
- We recommend that visitors wear a mask during their visit to the Holiday Theater (unless while actively eating or drinking) to help us keep our staff and other visitors safe.
Is the theater ADA accessible?
The Holiday Theater is ADA accessible. There are two accessible restrooms located inside the theater and a row of seats in the middle of the theater is wheelchair accessible. All tickets are general admission so we highly recommend you either email programs@mcadenver.org to request specific accommodations or arrive early to find a seat that will work best for you.
Where can I park?
We encourage you to take a ride share or public transportation if it’s possible.
Residential street parking can typically be found near the theater. Periodically, parking will be available at North High School. We will indicate in ticket confirmation emails whether that is the case for a given performance or program.
Will there be food and/or beverages available for purchase?
Yes, MCA Denver programs and events will offer beverages, including beer and wine as well as a selection of non-alcoholic options. We intend to build out more comprehensive food, beverage, and retail operations by 2023.
How will the community be involved with the Holiday?
MCA Denver has established a community advisory council, called the Holiday Advisory Cabinet, which is composed of Northside community stakeholders, including a representative from North High School, and staff members from MCA Denver.
The purpose of the Holiday Advisory Cabinet is to discuss and identify new community organizations and potential partners for future collaborations and to capture ideas and feedback on identifying ways to honor the history of the Holiday Theater and the neighborhood in which it resides.
Will there be art exhibitions at the Holiday?
At this time, there is no schedule of exhibitions to be displayed at the Holiday Theater. However, tickets purchased for programs held at the Holiday Theater can be presented to the front desk at MCA Denver for free admission within a month of the program date.
How can artists and other arts organizations rent the space at the Holiday?
The Holiday Theater will be available for use by community organizations, and for private rentals beginning in July of 2022. Applications will be available here starting in April of 2022.
What is the history of the Holiday Theater?
The Holiday theater is located at 2644 W 32nd Street in Denver’s Northside neighborhood. Built in 1914, the theater was named the Egyptian Theater in1926 as Egyptian-themed businesses sprung up after the 1922 discovery of King Tut’s tomb. It was renamed the Holiday in 1953. It was the first theater in Colorado to present Spanish language films, which were featured there from the 1960s through the 1980s. The Holiday has held a variety of other uses over the last 107 years, including as a church, and an occasional location for MCA Denver’s artists’ talks and other creative programming since 2015.
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