The Charline McCombs Empire Theatre was built in 1913 on the site of the former Rische’s Opera House in downtown San Antonio. Designed in the style of a European palazzo by architects Mauran, Russell & Crow of St. Louis, the Empire operated as a vaudeville house and a motion picture theatre before being restored to a premiere live entertainment venue in 1998. The Empire is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to a wide variety of programming, including intimate musical concerts, comedy attractions, children’s theatre and private events.