The Theatre Frozen in Time
Original 1880s fixtures, The chandeliers, wallpaper, stage, and balcony boxes are all authentic to the building’s boomtown era. Nothing was reconstructed after Tombstone’s fires because the Bird Cage survived them.The infamous balcony “cribs”: These small curtained rooms above the main floor were used by sex workers during performances.
Many interior photos capture these intact spaces exactly as they were left.
The bullet‑scarred walls: Bullet holes remain in the woodwork. Photos often highlight these scars, which speak to the rowdy, violent atmosphere of the Old West.
Reviews from the web
Amazing! Historical! Best place in Tombstone for authentic history.
You can read about different happenings and object used.
Kim D...
Reviews from the web
So much history in the building and such a great story in general of the building over the years. The evening ghost tour is the icing on the cake, well worth staying overnight in tombstone.
Chris C....
Reviews from the web
Really enjoyed the buildings architecture and artifacts displayed! So many details and things to read. Really loved the cage crib compartments.
Danas...
Bird Cage History
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History of The Bird Cage Theater
The Bird Cage Theatre opened on December 26, 1881.
It was owned by Lottie and William "Billy" Hutchinson.
Hutchison, a variety performer, originally intended to present respectable family shows like he'd seen in San Francisco that were thronged by large crowds. After the Theatre opened,
they hosted a Ladies Night for the respectable
women of Tombstone, who could attend for free. But the
economics of Tombstone didn't support their aspirations.
They soon canceled the Ladies Night and began offering baser entertainment that appealed to the rough mining crowd.
The Black Moriah
Carried all but six of the Tombstone AZ residents to Boothill Graveyard: The hearse is trimmed in 24k gold and Sterling Silver and was the first vehicle with curved glass. This is only one of the eight made and can be seen on display in The Bird Cage Theater. It was said that the Black Moriah, had "A Cowboy For Breakfast Everyday." The Black Moriah is Valued by the Ford Museum at over Two Million Dollars, It ran from 1881 to 1917. The Nightly Ghost Tours are based in this area of The Bird Cage Theater due to the High amount of Paranormal Activity that may be connected to "The Black Moriah".
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Evidence of the Wild West
Bullet‑scarred woodwork: Bullet holes remain in the walls and ceilings — not decorative, but the result of real gunfights.
Unaltered structural damage: Unlike many historic buildings, the Bird Cage preserved these scars rather than repairing them.
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🎟️ The Famous “Bird Cages”
Balcony cribs: The small curtained boxes lining the upper level — the “bird cages” — are built like miniature private rooms suspended over the theatre floor.
Decorative Victorian influence: Though the building is rugged, the cribs feature ornate trim and drapery, reflecting the era’s taste for theatrical flair.
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Materials & Construction
Adobe-and-brick structure Built as a sturdy two‑story building using adobe and brick—materials that helped it survive Tombstone’s devastating fires, making it one of the few original buildings never rebuilt or significantly altered
Original finishes: Much of the wallpaper, flooring, and trim inside are original, giving the interior a rare “time capsule” authenticity.
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What “Doc Holliday’s Cup” Refers To:
In Tombstone (1993), Doc Holliday famously twirls a small pewter cup to mock Johnny Ringo. That exact prop has become a fan collectible.
In a interview with Val Kilmer about the movie "Tombstone," He noted that the Doc Holliday Prop Cup was just a little to lightweight to do the flipping scene effectively, so they added some unseen putty to the inside for extra weight. It let him get some extra inertia so he could practice and perform the scene.
The Bird Cage is Proud to Sell The Best Quality "Doc Holliday Cup" Available.
If you want to Practice Cup Flipping, This is the Perfect Weight, and the only cup that is a Replica of the Original, owned by Doc Holliday.
🃏 Gambling Rooms & Artifacts
The faro table: One of the only surviving original faro tables in the world sits in the basement gambling room. Many interior shots focus on this rare artifact.
Poker room preserved mid‑game: According to local lore, the last poker game ended abruptly and the room was sealed for decades. Photos show cards, chairs, and bottles left as they were.
Authentic saloon bar: The long wooden bar, complete with original mirrors and shelving, appears in many visitor photos.
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