Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre

Designed by renowned Houston, Texas based architect Alfred Charles Finn in 1925 in a Beaux Arts/Classic Revival styles, it had an original seating capacity of 880. It was the cultural and entertainment center of this historic region for many years (Brenham/Washington County, the Birthplace of Texas Independence) presenting vaudeville and movies and had its own ballroom.

Architect Alfred Charles Finn designed several famous theatres in Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth, and the Simon Theatre in Brenham is the only one still standing! He also designed the San Jacinto Monument. By 1957 the Simon Theatre was operated by Rowley United Theatres Inc. The Simon Theatre was closed as a movie theatre in the early-1980’s.

A capital campaign to “Save Our Simon” was successful in restoring the theatre and ballroom, and plans included developing the property into the Simon Center, a small multi-use conference center, which had opened in 2011. Since January 2016 it has operated as a live music venue and renamed Barnhill Center at Historic Simon Theatre.

Recent comments (view all 8 comments)

Silicon Sam on August 28, 2009 at 3:25 am

The Simon on 8/27/09. Progress at last…..

HERE

Silicon Sam on May 4, 2010 at 5:50 am

I’m going through Brenham later this week, I’ll get a photo update on progress.

Silicon Sam on May 9, 2010 at 5:50 am

Here’s my photo from May 7th 2010:

HERE

Silicon Sam on May 9, 2010 at 6:00 am

Restored marquee and almost done canopy:

HERE

Silicon Sam on May 9, 2010 at 6:03 am

Okay, not a restored marquee, since it lost it’s original look, but a very nicely done marquee nonetheless. The art deco inspired lettering is gone, but at least there is some neon and bulbs in the new sign.

kgtband on August 22, 2010 at 4:58 pm

It looks like a lot of work is being done. Here are some pictures including the inside of the theater.

View link

Silicon Sam on December 10, 2016 at 10:01 am

From Google Street 02/2013 view, is now labeled Washington County Visitors Center. Also labeled The Simon Center.

thebarnhillcenter on January 10, 2023 at 8:48 pm

The Barnhill Center at historic Simon Theatre is OPEN and features a number of wonderful live music performances year round! We also rent out our theatre and two grand ballrooms for events, meetings, conferences and weddings! TheBarnhillCenter.com for more info!