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Venues #4 in Bellingham, Washington

Mount Baker Theatre

4.7 · 1,239 reviews
Grand, historic, and community-focused.
Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N Commercial St, Bellingham, WA 98225, United States
Interesting facts
1

The theatre’s Wurlitzer pipe organ is one of the few original instruments of its kind still installed in a public performance venue.

2

The auditorium ceiling features a 'cove lighting' system designed to simulate a Mediterranean night sky.

3

The venue was built by the National Theatre Corporation, which commissioned architect Robert C. Reamer, the same designer behind the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone.

4

During its 1927 grand opening, the theatre featured a full Vaudeville program and a silent film.

5

The interior is notable for its 'atmospheric' style, a popular 1920s theatre design trend intended to make audiences feel as if they were sitting in an outdoor courtyard.

Overview

The Mount Baker Theatre is a historic performance venue in Bellingham, Washington, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally opened in 1927, it serves as the primary regional hub for live entertainment, hosting Broadway tours, film screenings, and musical performances. The structure is noted for its Spanish Colonial Revival and Moorish-influenced architecture. It features a main auditorium designed with a star-filled ceiling effect and intricate plasterwork. The venue is operated by a non-profit organization focused on cultural preservation and arts education. It houses a state-of-the-art Wurlitzer pipe organ installed during its restoration. The theatre complex includes a smaller performance space known as the Walton Theatre used for intimate events. It remains the centerpiece of the downtown Bellingham arts district. The facility underwent a major renovation in the 1990s to restore its original 1920s interior aesthetic.

Photo spot

The ornate Spanish-style ticket booth and main facade on North Commercial Street.

Insider tips

Arrive early to explore the lobby and upper mezzanine, where historical displays detail the building's 1927 construction.

Check the theatre's official calendar for guided historical tour dates, which are occasionally offered outside of showtimes.

If attending a sold-out show, utilize the secondary lobby entrances to bypass the main entry congestion.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to park in the limited street parking directly in front of the venue; use the nearby municipal parking garages.

Etiquette

Smart-casual attire is typically expected for evening performances; silence mobile devices during all shows.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2.5-3 hours
Best time to visit
Fall and winter, when the indoor programming calendar is at its most active.
Address
Mount Baker Theatre, 104 N Commercial St, Bellingham, WA 98225, United States
48.752, -122.478
Get directions
Details
Architectural StyleSpanish Colonial Revival and Moorish influence
Historic StatusNational Register of Historic Places

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2.5-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Fall and winter, when the indoor programming calendar is at its most active..

The ornate Spanish-style ticket booth and main facade on North Commercial Street.

Close by you'll find SPARK Museum of Electrical Invention, Waypoint Park, The Upfront Theatre.