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Summary
Al. Ringling Theatre
136 Fourth Avenue, Baraboo, Sauk County
Architects: C W Rapp and George Rapp
Date of construction: 1915
This lavishly appointed, terra cotta clad, Beaux Arts style building is one of the nation's first "movie palaces." These theaters were consciously designed to transport the moviegoer from everyday reality through the lavishness and exotic appearance of the interior decoration.
Constructed at a cost of over $100,000, the Ringling Theatre was an important commission for one of the nation's foremost theater design firms, Rapp and Rapp of Chicago. Their theaters were often modeled after 18th and 19th century French classical interiors and other examples of their work include the Oriental Theatre in Chicago and the Paramount Theatre in New York. Here, the auditorium was based on the opera house at the Palace of Versailles and the lobby displayed a replica of the relief "Singing Gallery" by Renaissance sculptor Luca della Robia. The auditorium is lavishly decorated with painted murals and gilding and is considered one of the most ornate small town theaters in America. A unique element of the theater is the “Mighty Barton” Organ manufactured by the Barton Company of Oshkosh, Wisconsin and installed after the Theatre sold its first organ in 1928.
Al Ringling, one of Baraboo's leading citizens and one of the founders and leaders of the Ringling Brothers Circus empire, built the theater as a gift to the city. Befitting a great showman, the building is a true showpiece in the community. As in many smaller municipalities, the theater served a dual purpose, housing both stage and screen shows, as well as public lectures and local graduations.
The Al. Ringling Theatre has been operational since its construction. Recently, the Sauk County Art Association and the Al. Ringling Theatre have developed a “partnership of the arts.” This partnership has led to new developments, including The Al. Ringling Theatre Art Gallery, located in newly renovated rooms to the left of the Theatre’s grand entrance. More information may be found on the Ringling Theatre website.
Property Details
| Criteria | Architecture/Engineering,Person |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture,Entertainment/Recreation |
| Period of Significance | 1900-1924 |
| Architectural Style | Beaux Arts |
| Architect | Rapp,George L.,Rapp,C.W. |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | Theater |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 1 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Contributing Objects | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Objects | 0 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | May 17, 1976 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the State Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Jan 1, 1989 |
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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Email UsAttribution
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
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Wisconsin Historical Society Acquires Al. Ringling Theatre
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
The Wisconsin Historical Society will acquire the Al. Ringling Theatre in Baraboo, Wis., after working with the Al. Ringling Theatre Friends, Inc., to secure $3.07 million from community donors
Al. Ringling Theatre
2009
Local historian and Al. Ringling Theatre docent, Robert C. Dewel, seated at the Al. Ringling Theatre's "Mighty Barton" organ.
Al. Ringling Theatre
circa 1930 -- 1939
Exterior of the Al. Ringling Theater. Caption reads: "Al Ringling Theatre, Baraboo, Wis."
