Preserving the Mount Baker Theatre for Another Century
Centennial restoration project brings new seats, carpeting, chandelier upgrades, and other historic improvements to the 99-year-old theatre
As part of the preparation for the Centennial Season, the Mount Baker Theatre’s Main Stage will be closed July through August for a variety of restoration projects, including the installation of new seats, carpeting, and upgraded chandelier winches. While the Ticket Office will remain open to serve patrons, the Lobby and Main Stage will be closed to the public. The theatre will reopen on Friday, September 11, for Tower of Power, whose audiences will be among the first to experience the new seats.
Mount Baker Theatre (MBT) last installed Main Auditorium seats in 1993. Over the past 33 years, MBT staff and volunteers have dedicated countless hours to extending the life of the second-hand seats through annual "squeaky seat patrols," routine maintenance, and even reupholstering the seats. Despite these efforts, the seats have reached the end of their lifespan and replacement parts are no longer available.
After years of hearing from patrons about the need for more comfortable seating, MBT is excited to begin installing more than 1,517 brand-new seats. Over the next two months, the existing seats will be removed and replaced with modern seating that offers increased accessibility, improved comfort, and convenient cupholders while preserving the theatre's historic character.
Many of the old seats will continue their story throughout the community. A selection will be available for purchase through The RE Store and the Reuse Innovation Center, giving patrons and community members the opportunity to own a unique piece of the Mount Baker Theatre history. Those interested in purchasing a seat or learning about availability are encouraged to contact the organizations listed in the media contacts below.
The seat replacement is one of several projects included in Mount Baker Theatre's Centennial Capital Campaign. Other initiatives include new carpeting throughout the theatre, restoration of the historic Wurlitzer organ, upgrades to the iconic ticket kiosk, and additional preservation efforts that will help prepare the theatre for its next century.
The past century of stewardship at the Mount Baker Theatre has revealed a simple truth: preserving a historic theatre takes a community. Supporters can help make these projects possible through a gift to the Centennial Capital Campaign. In recognition of their generosity, donors who support the seat project will receive a personalized nameplate on the armrest of one of the new Main Auditorium seats, with additional recognition opportunities available through a variety of campaign giving levels.
To learn more about the Centennial Capital Campaign, the restoration projects, and donor recognition opportunities, visit: https://www.mountbakertheatre.com/join-support/capital-campaign/
Store Contact Information:
Reuse Innovation Center
(360) 733-1363
reuseinnovationcenter@gmail.com
4215 Britton Rd,
Bellingham, WA 98226
Retail Hours: Saturday, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Re-Store
(360) 647-5921
bham@re-store.org
2309 Meridian St,
Bellingham, WA 98225
Retail Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
About MBT & the Mount Baker Theatre
Mount Baker Theatre (MBT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization dedicated to enriching the region’s culture through dynamic performances and arts education — inspiring engagement in the community and stewardship of a national historic treasure. Located in the heart of downtown Bellingham's Art District, the Mount Baker Theatre is the largest theatrical venue north of Seattle in Washington. As MBT celebrates the theatre’s 100th season, it stands as both a cornerstone of the region’s cultural life and a symbol of its enduring creative spirit.
Built in 1927, the theatre is the only survivor of the five original movie palaces built in Whatcom County between 1914 and 1930. The beautifully restored building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, continues to inspire audiences as an architectural treasure. For a century, the Mount Baker Theatre has been dedicated to showcasing top touring performing arts events, as well as presenting community-driven events and performances to audiences in the North Puget Sound and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
