California's oldest continuously operated movie theater is alive as a thriving cinema, event center and community performance space in the heart of beautiful downtown Chico, California.
The El Rey is dedicated to become Chico’s premier performance and event venue while raising funds to fully restore this historical California landmark.
The El Rey Theater has gone by a few names since 1906. The Majestic Theatre, The National, The American and finally The El Rey Theater. Through it all, it has maintained a long tradition as a film screening and civic gathering place.
The Majestic Theatre was originally commissioned to be built by the Chico Elks Lodge in May of 1903 on a vacant lot on W. 2nd Street, adjacent to the Chico Public Library. In early 1906 is was opened as the home of the Chico Elks Lodge 423. The lower floor at street level was leased out to the owners of the Majestic Theatre Company, and on April 9th 1906 opened as The Majestic Theater to much Northern California fanfare.
