BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Alabama Theatre, a historic landmark in Birmingham, is celebrating the return of its iconic Mighty Wurlitzer organ, affectionately known as “Big Bertha,” following extensive repairs. After an eight-month hiatus, the organ has been meticulously restored by the A.E. Schlueter Pipe Organ Company and is ready to enchant audiences once more.
Installed in 1927, “Big Bertha” was one of 17 Wurlitzer organs commissioned by Paramount Pictures for its theaters nationwide, designed to accompany silent films with live music. Today, it stands as one of only three surviving organs from that original group and remains in its original location at the Alabama Theatre.
The theatre itself is a masterpiece of Spanish-Moorish architecture, built by Paramount’s Publix Theatres as a showcase for its films. It opened on December 26, 1927, and quickly became known as the “Showplace of the South,” hosting vaudeville shows and silent films. Despite facing demolition in the 1980s, community efforts led to its preservation by Birmingham Landmarks, Inc., which restored the theater to its former glory.
The recent restoration of “Big Bertha” included mechanical repairs and an updated finish, marking the first time it had been removed from the theater since 1998. The beautifully restored instrument will debut at upcoming events like “Hocus Pocus” and “Phantom of the Opera,” where its capabilities will be fully showcased.
As the Alabama Theatre continues to host over 250 events annually, drawing more than 400,000 visitors, the return of “Big Bertha” reaffirms its role as a cultural cornerstone in Birmingham. The theater’s ongoing revitalization efforts are part of a broader initiative to enhance Birmingham’s historic theater district.