Submitted by: Mount Baker Theatre
Did you know that Mount Baker Theatre is celebrating its 90th birthday this year? And perhaps one of the most memorable fixtures in the entire historic building is the original chandelier hanging from the ceiling of the Main Stage auditorium. Of all the many questions asked about the theater’s amazing Moorish-Spanish décor, perhaps the most have been about this fantastic fixture. So in honor of MBT’s nine decades as a downtown landmark, here are the answers to the most frequently asked queries about its legendary chandelier!
- How old is it? The Chandelier was created and installed for Mount Baker Theatre’s official opening on April 29, 1927.
- Who designed it? R.C. Reamer, consulting architect of Metropolitan Building Company.
- How much does it weigh? 600 pounds!
- What is it made of? Stained glass, hand-blown glass, brass, tin and ceramic.
- How big is it? Housed in an 80-foot concrete dome, its width across the eight-sided enclosure is 6½ feet and the dimensions of eight stained-glass panels are 28 inches (top), 11 inches (height), and 25 inches (bottom).
- How tall is it? The height of entire chandelier from golden globe to crimson teardrop is 10 feet.
- How many lamps are on it? Sixty-four, on four circuits.
- What kind of bulbs does it use? Edison ceramic sockets mounted on a 24-inch-diameter cylinder.
- How much power does it put out? Its total wattage is 4,288.
And perhaps our number one question asked about the Chandelier (drum roll, please!) . . .
- How do we clean it?! Once a year, the Chandelier is painstakingly lowered down via a winch system to just a few feet above the floor. MBT members and supporters are invited in to “dust” the Chandelier at a special reception—but this is mostly just for fun! The real cleaning is done by MBT’s professional house staff, who remove all 64 light bulbs and carefully clean every crevice.
And a little bonus question for you: what is it cleaned with? Believe it or not, there’s no special formula—just a little soap and water is used on a damp rag to dust this vintage masterpiece.
For those who have never had the chance to come see MBT and its awe-inspiring décor in person, come in for a visit. As a nonprofit organization, the theater offers free tours to individuals and small groups on a regular basis—just call 360-733-5793 to schedule one.
