Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre

The Brauntex Theatre, located in the heart of historic downtown New Braunfels, Texas, is a significant cultural landmark with a storied past that spans over eight decades. The theatre's origins date back to January 4, 1942, when it opened its doors as the Modern Theatre, earning the moniker "Beauty Spot of Texas." The opening night was a momentous occasion, with patrons paying 30 cents admission to watch "Birth of the Blues," starring Bing Crosby and Mary Martin, with Walter Braune serving as the projectionist. In the early days of World War II, specifically on April 18, 1942, the Brauntex Theatre closed temporarily but soon reopened to provide the community with weekly newsreels that updated citizens on America's involvement in the conflict. This service was a crucial means of communication during a time when information was not as readily accessible as it is today. The theatre underwent a significant expansion on June 1, 1972, when the balcony was enclosed to create the Brauntex Mini, allowing the venue to operate as a dual-screen cinema until May 1998. However, by the end of its tenure as a movie theatre, the Brauntex had fallen into disrepair, with smoke-filled air, dirty broken seats, and a diminished audience, leading locals to affectionately refer to it as "the brau," often because the sign was missing several letters. In a turn of events that would shape its future, the Brauntex Theatre was saved from demolition in 1999 by a group of concerned citizens who recognized its historic value and its potential to serve as a performing arts theatre for the growing community. This initiative led to the formation of the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre Association (BPATA), which purchased the closed theatre on December 10, 1999, and subsequently achieved 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Following a period of extensive cleanup and renovation with the support of the local community, the Brauntex Theatre reopened in August 2000. The renovation efforts were recognized in 2008 when the Texas Historical Commission awarded the Brauntex a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, the Brauntex Theatre is known as the Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre and is celebrated as the "jewel of historic downtown New Braunfels," continuing to serve as a vibrant center for the performing arts and a testament to the community's dedication to preserving its cultural heritage.