When the historic DeLUXE theater first opened in 1941, it quickly became the premiere destination for Black Houstonians to watch movies. This Fifth Ward theater was located next to a variety of businesses, including shoe shine parlors, a beauty shop, and a hotel. When segregation ended after the Civil Rights Act passed, the DeLUXE closed its doors. However, that wasn’t the end of its story.
In 1971, the theater hosted the “De Luxe Show,” one of the first racially integrated exhibits of contemporary artists in the country. John De Menil, founder of the Menil Collection, wanted to showcase art in one of Houston’s Black neighborhoods. To help organize the show, De Menil reached out to Jefferee James, an instructor at Texas Southern University, and community leader Mickey LeLand. Even though the theater had been abandoned for two years at that point and had fallen into disarray, construction and art experts helped transform the space in just three weeks.
Nineteen contemporary artists displayed their work at the theater in August and September that year. More than 1,000 people attended the show’s opening, and more than 4,000 attended the show before it closed in late September. One critic described the exhibition as a “challenging social and visual experiment.”
Today, the building has been completely renovated. Inside, you’ll find a 125-seat theater, state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment, a concession area, and other updates. The theater also continues to host important community events.
I’m highlighting Houston’s Black history every Tuesday! Do you have ideas for a future segment? Let me know.
Meanwhile, check out this Houston museum that reveals untold history about African American soldiers.
