Tivoli Theatre
3933 Washington Avenue,
New Orleans,
LA
70125
3933 Washington Avenue,
New Orleans,
LA
70125
1 person
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Saenger Amusement Company, United Theaters Inc.
Architects: Emile Weil
Functions: Funeral Home
Nearby Theaters
Opened by Central Enterprises on May 28, 1926 with Wallace Beery in “Behind the Front”. The 1,800-seat Tivoli Theatre was later owned and operated by the United Theatres Inc. circuit.
Closed in 1970 as a theatre, the Tivoli Theatre has operated for many years now as a funeral parlor, and some of its ornate exterior decor is intact, including a large, graceful terra cotta freize above the main entrance. It suffered damage from Hurricane Katrina on August 23, 2005. Repairs had been carried out by 2010.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
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Recent comments (view all 15 comments)
I am a student doing historical research of the area now known as Hoffman Triangle (and the areas surrounding) where the theatre is located. Some of you seem to know quite a bit about the area’s history. I would like to find out more, if you would like to share it. Please contact me at if you have something to add no matter how insignificant you might think it is. Thanks!
The architect for the Tivoli Theatre was Emile Weil who
was also the architect for the Saenger Theatre, New Orleans.
The Tivoli( Rhodes Funeral Home ) as of June 2008 is still unrestored from hurricane Katrina
The renovation is ongoing, per the photo on Google maps. It looks the interior has been gutted.
There’s a very large open space in the front, and it appears that whatever was inside has been removed. Quite an interesting looking building.
Renovation info:
http://tinyurl.com/68naxe
Announcing a book about New Orleans Movie Theaters
THEREâ€\S ONE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
The History of the Neighborhood Theaters in New Orleans
is being written by 89-year-old Rene Brunet, the dean of the motion picture industry in Louisiana, and New Orleans historian and preservationist Jack Stewart. The 160-page,coffee table book will be released in November and is being published by Arthur Hardy Enterprises, Inc. Attention will be focused on 50 major neighborhood and downtown theaters, culled from a list of nearly 250 that have dotted the cityâ€\s landscape since the first “nickelodeon†opened in 1896 at 626 Canal Street. The book will be divided by neighborhoods and will open with a map and a narrative about each area. Each major theater will feature “then and now†photographs, historic information, and a short series of quotes from famous New Orleanians and from regular citizens who will share their recollections.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
We are trying to acquire memorabilia and additional photos of this theater for this publication. (deadline July 1.) You will be credited in the book and receive a free autographed copy if we publish the picture that you supply. Please contact Arthur Hardy at or call 504-913-1563 if you can help.
Interesting.
My Aunt and Cousin resided at 1723 South Rendon Street. When I was in my early teens I stayed for a couple of months during my vacation from school. My cousin and I went to several movies at the Tivoli. Nearby was a McKinzey Bakery and Bell Supermarket. This really brought back memories of my childhood.
A recent newspaper article August 4 2021 https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/article_83d1c932-f17a-11eb-bce8-f723ceac2054.html?fbclid=IwAR0bV0N5aIeJ6v4Fygt-yvPsqsOQYI_9ckZu5oSoE_QKCJQKHSdbHZ0d0b8
The $250,000, 1,500-seat suburban opened with Mayor Arthur J. O'Keefe presiding on May 28, 1926 by E.V. Richards' then Central Enterprises. “Behind the Front” was the opening film.. The Tivoli was the third NOLA venue with a $20,000 Robert Morton pipe organ after the Loew’s State that had opened the month earlier and Saenger’s Liberty. Sound was installed to remain viable. United Theatres added widescreen projection in the 1950s. New United Theatres closed here on September 7, 1967 with “You Only Live Twice.”
In November of 1970 if was converted into a funeral home. Flood waters during Hurricane Katrina almost led. to its ouster but the Rhodes family was able to salvage the facility.