Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb, Illinois
The Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb, Illinois is a striking example of the Egyptian Revival phase within the broader Art Deco movement of the 1920s and 1930s. Architects of the era integrated Egyptian motifs into modern forms, blending the streamlined geometry of Art Deco with pharaonic symbolism.
The façade features quintessential elements of this fusion. The marquee displays a stylized Pharaoh's head, framed by angular Art Deco lines, bridging ancient Egyptian iconography with modern graphic clarity. Above the theater’s name, the winged sun — a symbol of protection and divinity in Egyptian culture — is rendered with streamlined precision in earthy browns and mint greens, colors that were popular in both Art Deco and Egyptian Revival palettes.
Two monumental, crossed-arm figures resembling temple guardians stand on either side of the upper façade. These statues, recalling the grandeur of Egyptian temple sculpture, are integrated into the geometric, stepped composition.
The careful use of color — especially muted greens, golds, and ochres — enhances the theatrical, exotic appeal while maintaining the rich visual impact characteristic of 1920s cinema palaces.
Location: 135 N 2nd St, DeKalb, IL 60115, United States
Website: http://www.egyptiantheatre.org/