What is the history of The Ritz in Austin?

The Ritz is a historic theater located in Austin's 6th Street district that originally opened on October 13, 1929. Over its long history, the building has served multiple purposes, including a movie theater, music hall, club, and comedy house.

What is The Ritz known for historically?

The Ritz was built by J.J. Hegman and designed by architect Hugo Kuehne. It holds historical significance as the first theater in Austin built specifically for talkies.

What is the current status of the building?

After closing as an Alamo Drafthouse location during the COVID-19 pandemic, the building was purchased by Joe Rogan in 2022. It was renovated under the design of architect Richard Weiss and reopened in 2023 as a comedy venue called The Comedy Mothership.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

The Ritz in Austin

The Ritz

Located at 320 East 6th Street, The Ritz is Austin's most storied historic theater. Originally opened in 1929 as the city's first talkie venue, it has evolved from a movie house into the vibrant Comedy Mothership.

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What to know

The Ritz, located at 320 East 6th Street, is widely regarded as downtown Austin’s most storied theatre. The historic building opened its doors on October 13, 1929, with a screening of the film "The Lone Wolf's Daughter" starring Bert Lytell. Built by J.J. Hegman, who owned several movie theaters in Austin, the venue was designed by architect Hugo Kuehne, the founding dean of the University of Texas School of Architecture. Notably, it was the first theater in Austin built specifically for "talkies." In July 1937, Kuehne designed an expansion that increased the theater's seating capacity to 800. Over the decades, the building served multiple purposes, adapting to the city's changing cultural landscape as a movie theater, music hall, club, and comedy house. In October 1974, it reopened as a music venue, offering an eclectic mix of programming that ranged from classical to rock music, alongside live theater and movies. Decades later, the venue underwent extensive renovations designed by Weiss Architecture, reopening on November 1, 2007, as part of the Alamo Drafthouse cinema circuit. The Alamo Drafthouse Ritz temporarily closed its doors on March 16, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and later closed permanently as part of Alamo Drafthouse’s corporate restructuring. However, the historic venue soon found a new lease on life. In 2022, comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan purchased the building. Following a year of renovations led by Austin architect Richard Weiss, the legendary space reopened in 2023 as a premier comedy club known as The Comedy Mothership, continuing its long legacy of entertainment on Sixth Street.

Visitor tips

Look for the historic facade at 320 East 6th Street in downtown Austin.
Note that the venue now operates as The Comedy Mothership, having transitioned from its former role as an Alamo Drafthouse cinema.
Admire the architectural details originally designed by Hugo Kuehne, the founding dean of the UT School of Architecture.

Nearby context

The Ritz is centrally located in downtown Austin's vibrant 6th Street district, a historic hub for entertainment and nightlife. While exploring this lively corridor, you can easily walk to nearby landmarks like the park at Brush Square or catch live music at the exterior and marquee of Antone's, making this block a perfect snapshot of Austin's rich cultural history.

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