Wilma Theatre (Missoula, Montana)

The Wilma was built in 1921 by William "Billy" Simons and dedicated to his wife, light opera artist Edna Wilma. Designed by Norwegian architect Ole Bakke and his assistant H. E. Kirkemo, the steel-framed highrise features hallmarks of Sullivanesque architecture.[2] Wilma is part of an eight-story complex that was the first steel-framed high-rise building in Missoula, and includes the main 1400-seat hall, a lounge, three banquet rooms, a restaurant, apartments and offices. The theater interior is decorated with Louis XIV Style gilt trim.[3]

The Wilma
Front of the theater
Address131 South Higgins Avenue
Missoula, Montana
United States
Capacity1,400
Current usecinema and events venue
Opened1921
Website
thewilma.com
Wilma Theatre
Coordinates46°52′8″N 113°59′43″W
ArchitectH.E. Kirkemo, Ole Bakke
Architectural styleChicago
NRHP reference No.79001407
Added to NRHPDecember 31, 1979[1]

The Wilma's original theater organ was replaced in the 1950s with a Robert Morton organ from the Orpheum Theater in Spokane, Washington,[4] which had been torn down in 1958.[5]

As originally built, the basement housed a swimming pool, the "Crystal Plunge". Condensation proved incompatible with the structure, and the pool closed within ten years. It now serves as additional storage space.[4]

In 1982 the Cinema of the Dove opened in the basement of the building. It was also known as the Chapel of the Dove. It was operated by Edward Sharp. [6] The Chapel of the Dove was described as a "dazzlingly eclectic space."[7] The Chapel of the Dove was turned into a more conventional theater after Edward Sharp died in 1993. [8]

The Wilma now shows a diverse range of entertainment, including independent movies, spoken word events, stand up comedy, live and local music, plays, and other events.

The Venue is equipped with a full PA system and stage monitors with Yamaha M7 consoles at the core, as well as a secondary PA for use with the main movie screen. The Wilma also employs a full theater lighting system with PAR and Leko fixtures, and six Martin Mac 500 automated moving head fixtures. The lighting is controlled by a Pearl 2000 console.

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. April 15, 2008.
  2. Mathews, Allan James. A Guide to Historic Missoula, page 82. Montana Historical Society. 2002.
  3. "Wilma Theatre History". The Wilma Theatre. October 30, 2008.
  4. "Wilma (Missoula) Theatre History". Puget Sound Theater Organ Society. October 30, 2008.
  5. "Spokane's grand old theaters". Inland Northwest History. The Spokesman-Review. October 30, 2008.
  6. http://www.districtone.com/oldhistory/end1982.htm retrieved 2/152018
  7. http://forgottenwilma.com/archives/772 retrieved 2/15/2018
  8. http://forgottenwilma.com/archives/768 retrieved 2/15/18


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