H I S T O R Y

The Texas Theatre is firmly established in the nation's history. Opened in 1931 by eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, it was Dallas' first air-conditioned theater. It is also known as the place where Dallas police officers captured Lee Harvey Oswald after President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

In 2001, after being awarded $1.6 million from the City of Dallas Neighborhood Renaissance Partnership program, the Oak Cliff Foundation acquired and began to renovate the Texas Theatre. “The Texas” is a historic community performance space and movie theater that works with non-profits and professional organizations to bring arts and entertainment to the Oak Cliff area of Dallas.

Since 2001, the board of the Oak Cliff Foundation has raised an additional $2 million of the estimated $9 million needed for the complete renovation of the theater. The funds raised contributed to major structural renovations needed after years of neglect and fire damage.

With major renovations complete, the Texas Theatre is ready to provide a multi-use performance space for the community. Fundraising for additional improvements such as restoring the balcony and revamping an aged HVAC system are still needed to restore the theater to its historically significant state. Your support will assure that the Texas Theatre continues to operate and help restore this historic landmark to the condition it deserves.