Located at 224 E. Houston in the heart of downtown, the Majestic was designed by John Eberson in 1928-29 for Interstate Theatres. The Mediterranean style "village" into which the audience steps is a lavish mixture of Moorish and Spanish Revival, with artfully painted and textured plaster creating a profusion of elaborate balconies, towers, brackets, columns and arches adorned with specially preserved greenery, stuffed birds and classic statuary -- all exquisitely lit. (As a "Where's Waldo?" exercise, see if you can find the hidden lion amid the trappings on the left-hand side.)

Plush seats and richly patterned carpeting occupy a spacious orchestra, expansive mezzanine and overhanging balcony whose underside is encrusted with a fantasia of coffered molding and baroque lighting domes. Elegant box seats blend into the turreted facades on either side. Overhead, a Viennese cloud machine sweeps changing cloud patterns across a deep blue vault of evening sky, which has been sprinkled with shimmering stars set in place after consulting National Geographic for constellation authenticity.

Closed as a movie theater in 1974, The Majestic served as venue for touring Broadway shows from 1981-88, closed briefly for meticulous restoration and reopened in 1989 as home for the world-class San Antonio Symphony, then celebrating its 50th season. This architectural "jewel" has proven the perfect setting for San Antonio's musical treasure Symphony. Only 10 years younger than its palatial "home," The San Antonio Symphony's origins actually were in Trieste, Italy, where Jewish conductor Max Reiter fled Hitler with the dream of founding a great American symphony orchestra. Following a trial concert in San Antonio's Sunken Garden Theater, inspired city civic leaders offered support and the Symphony Society of San Antonio was born in 1939.

A summer season, Grand Opera Festival, and the predecessor of today's acclaimed Mastersingers soon followed. Five outstanding conductors have taken the podium since then, with current conductor Christopher Wilkins leading the symphony to national recognition for innovative programming, including incorporation of the city's Hispanic culture and theatrical works. (Wilkins was past winner of the prestigious Seaver/National Endowment for the Arts Conductor's award.) In addition to the Classical Series, a Pops Series (running the gamut from Johnny Mathis to Louise Mandrell) and Interactive Classics series (offering kids the opportunity to mingle with musicians and experiment with musical instruments) are also presented in the Majestic, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This grand theater also has been the setting for Broadway hits from "Cats" to "Rent" (under the auspices of Arts Center Enterprises) since its 1989 grand reopening. Its newly deepened stage was able to accommodate the epic "Miss Saigon."

So pick up a ticket for a stellar Symphony presentation or hit show, relax amid the splendor and let the clouds roll by.