Drive-By
Exterior view at Belaire Plaza
View the former Belaire Theatre at the Belaire Plaza shopping center. The building has cycled through use as a multi-screen cinema and as a live theatre; pair with downtown Hurst stops.
- Duration:
- 15 min
Photo coming soon
Theater / Performance Venue
Belaire Theatre
1966 Hurst Cinema and Former Artisan Center Theatre
Belaire Plaza, 444 East Pipeline Road, Hurst, TX 76053
Wheelchair Accessible
Research-Backed · 3sources
Age
All Ages
Cost
Free
Exterior viewing from the shopping center is free. Public interior access depends on current tenant.
Access
Wheelchair OK
Shopping center sidewalk
Equipment
Photos OK
Est. 1966 · Mid-Century Interstate Theatre · DFW Cinema History · Local Live Theater History
The Belaire Theatre opened on April 8, 1966 with a showing of Hayley Mills in 'That Darn Cat.' Designed by architect John R. Thompson, the Belaire was the second new-build Interstate Theatre in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since the 1949 construction of Dallas' Forest Theatre.
The theater was twinned on July 2, 1976 and expanded into a four-screen multiplex on May 8, 1987. It closed as a commercial movie theater in 2000.
From 2005 the building was home to the Artisan Center Theatre, a community live-theater company that presented family-friendly productions in a theatre-in-the-round format. The Artisan Center Theatre moved out in March 2024, leaving the future tenant of the Belaire space uncertain as of recent reporting.
Sources
- https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/19092
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artisan_Center_Theater
- https://fortworthreport.org/2024/08/12/it-is-my-home-artisan-center-theater-closure-brings-nostalgia-honors-founder/
Doors closingApparition of young girl in lobbyEquipment interferenceUnexplained sounds
During the Belaire Theatre's years as a Hurst cinema, former employees shared a recurring set of stories. The most cited element involves a former projectionist said to have died of a heart attack inside the booth; subsequent staff reported equipment behaving oddly in his absence. Two other figures were referenced by ushers and concession staff: a young girl seen in the lobby and an unnamed male presence sometimes referred to in staff stories.
During the Artisan Center Theatre's 2005 to 2024 tenancy in the space, the company publicly noted that requests for paranormal investigation continued, but reported that activity decreased markedly during regular rehearsal and performance use. The story is well-known enough in DFW theater circles that Belaire is regularly included in regional ghost-lore lists.
Media Appearances
- HauntedPlaces.org - Belaire Theatre/Artisan Center Theatre listing
- Cinema Treasures - Belaire Theatre comments (firsthand former-employee accounts)
- Haunted Rooms America - Most Haunted DFW
Plan Your Visit
1 way to experienceSources & Further Reading
Every HauntBound history is researched from documented sources. We clearly separate verified historical fact from paranormal folklore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belaire Theatre family-friendly?
Family-friendly exterior view. Folklore is light, tied to former employees rather than violent events. Overall family fit: High.
How much does it cost to visit Belaire Theatre?
Exterior viewing from the shopping center is free. Public interior access depends on current tenant. This location is free to visit.
Do I need to book in advance?
No advance booking is required, but checking availability is recommended.
Is Belaire Theatre wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Belaire Theatre is wheelchair accessible. Terrain: Shopping center sidewalk.