The Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center or The Rose, also known as the Astro Theater, originally opened as The Riviera. It is located in downtown Omaha, Nebraska. Built in 1926 in a combination of both Moorish and Classical styles, the building was rehabilitated in 1986. History Noted for lavish stage shows combined with movies, the Riviera was regarded as one of the most elegant entertainment facilities in the Midwest. John Eberson, a nationally notable architect, built the theater as an example of the "atmospheric" theater popular during the 1920s. In a style created by Eberson, these atmospheric theaters simulated romantic outdoor Mediterranean courtyards with a night sky above, including twinkling stars and drifting clouds. The exterior of the building features a large copper domed tower, flanked by two smaller towers of similar detailing. The diamond-patterned brick facades contain oriel windows, elaborate cornices, glazed terra-cotta tile copings, and a series of free-standing columns which support griffins. In 1929, experiencing financial losses, the theater's owner sold the building to Paramount Company and the theater was renamed the Paramount Theater. In 1957, Paramount vacated the lease to Creighton University. Closed for several years, it was later leased to J.S.B. Amusement, and after renovations, was operated as a bowling alley. After only a year of operation, the building once again was remodeled to return it to a theater. It reopened as the Astro theater and continued operations until June 1980. Now closed and facing possible demolition, the Astro Theater was sold by Creighton University to Rose Blumkin of the Nebraska Furniture Mart on June 24, 1981. In the early 1990s it was renovated and transformed into the Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center; it became the home of the Omaha Theater Company, which began performing there in 1995. See also History of Omaha List of theaters in Omaha, Nebraska Creighton Orpheum Theater Moon Theater Rialto Theater World Theater References External links Historic Photo of The Riveria's Interior Alternate Historic Photo of The Riveria's Interior Postcard of The Riviera Theater Historic Photo of The Rivera Theater Riviera Theater Grand Opening Advertisement Historic Photo of The Paramount Theater Paramount Theater Advertisement Astro Theater Advertisement National Register of Historic Places in Omaha, Nebraska Omaha Landmarks Theatres completed in 1926 Theatres in Omaha, Nebraska Cinemas and movie theaters in Nebraska History of Downtown Omaha, Nebraska Theatres on the National Register of Historic Places in Nebraska 1926 establishments in Nebraska