RICH IN HISTORY
Downtown Carlsbad’s beloved Cavern Theatre is shining once again after nearly a decade of restoration. Originally reopened in its new location on April 3, 1951, the theatre debuted with a screening of Up Front, a World War II comedy inspired by the iconic cartoons of Bill Mauldin. For the next 30 years, it remained a fixture of Crlsbad’s cultural landscape, entertaining generations with the biggest films of their time. One of its final showings before closing its doors in 1981 was *Alien*, the sci-fi horror classic directed by Ridley Scott. After sitting dormant for decades, the Cavern Theatre has been reborn as a full-service cultural venue, preserving its historic legacy while welcoming a new generation of filmgoers, performers, and community events.
A THEATRE REBORN!
In 2015, the building was gifted to the City of Carlsbad by the family of its late owner, Bob Light. With the condition that no city funds be used for restoration, the project became a true community effort—led by the City of Carlsbad and Carlsbad MainStreet, and powered by a mix of state grants, private donations, and local lodgers’ tax revenue. Revitalization at a Glance: Project Timeline: 2015–2025 (10 years) Total Cost: $8.4 million Key Funding Sources: – NM DFA Regional Recreation Centers/Quality of Life Grant – NM Economic Development Department’s Historic Theaters Initiative – Non-promotional Lodger’s Tax – Capital Outlay Award of $350,000 – Private Donations The final phase alone cost $3.3 million, supporting electronics, audiovisual equipment, and acoustics. Earlier phases addressed structural and safety needs like asbestos removal and roof repair to make the building habitable again. Today, the theatre has been modernized to host movies, live performances, community events, and private rentals, while retaining its historic charm. Original features such as 1950s globe lighting, original floor tiles, and massive wall paintings of Carlsbad Caverns still adorn the theatre’s walls.