Bird Cage Theatre
Bird Cage Theatre
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
This one-time theater and brothel has been reincarnated as a museum.
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- Valerie VChicago, Illinois15 contributionsCreeepy cool place with great gift shopOne of a kind theatre museum. The authentic hurse was creepy cool. Bullet holes still in the ceiling panels from theatre goers that became a little too excited. Best attraction gift shop in town. Bought tin cup coffee mugs and many more unique western themed items in the basement of Bird Cage.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 November 2023
- Beth KShawnee, Kansas1,630 contributionsSmaller than I expected, but really enjoyable to see it in person!Strange how large things look when we see them on TV vs. so much smaller in person! The history of this location is pretty amazing and the information prior to paying to enter the main part of the building is great. Once inside the main building, it was interesting to see where the "soiled doves" conducted business and where people sat below to visit or dance. Lots of artifacts and nooks and crannies to explore. If was also interesting to see where Zach and Aaron conducted their Ghost Adventures investigation, including near where the longest running poker game took place. So glad we went!Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 December 2023
- Karen LQueen Creek, Arizona73 contributionsPut It on Your Bucket ListTalk about a step back in time, the Bird Cage Theater offered exactly that, dust and all! From the random bullet holes to the creaky floorboards, you truly feel you've been transported back to the wild west days. There is so much memorabilia to look at, you should set aside at least an hour or two. There's an energy inside, maybe the ghosts of the past, but you definitely feel the history come alive. Put a visit on your bucket list!Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 15 January 2024
- BodyworkByJonTempe, Arizona15 contributionsTOMBSTONE IS A MUST VISITThe Birdcage is A MUST VISIT! The town is worth seeing! Check out the history of the Chinese community there at the time....called HopTown, near the courthouse. There is a mine to tour and there are tunnels under the town, within basements. This is supposedly where the Chinese would travel through to get to their respected jobs, to avoid any attention from those that didn't want them there in town. Ummmm. No tours of those tunnels unfortunately.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 March 2024
- AustintoBostonBoston, Massachusetts402 contributionsFavorite Attraction in TownMy favorite attraction in Tombstone and the only original building still standing in the town to my knowledge. Upon entering the woman dressed in period clothing was really engaging, and did a great job of hooking us to pay the fee and enter - sure glad we did! Everything is so well-preserved, it is as if the occupants of the building left one day and never returned. The gift shop had a fun wall of photographs for the former "ladies" of the Birdcage. Interesting to read a tidbit of their stories.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 27 April 2024
- Stacey B16 contributionsCool spot in Tombstone, worth the visitWe enjoyed the tour and information given about the Bird Cage theater. Very informative staff with plenty of history in regards to the theater. Would recommend this short tour or stop by to visit this historic place.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 29 April 2024
- Mary Jane H3 contributionsDon’t miss seeing The Bird Cage TheaterThe Bird Cage Theater is an absolute must-do in Tombstone. So much history is displayed throughout the building and the old building itself. The self-guided tour gives the opportunity to read and take in as much as you want at your own pace. We learned so much about the characters and real-life relationships, some that actually differ from how they are portrayed in the movies which was very surprising! The faro tables were fascinating to see and learn more about, too. It was so easy to become totally immersed in the experience of feeling like you were actually there “back in those days.” The gift shop attendant was a lifetime local and shared many stories of Tombstone and the question of who actually did shoot Johnny Ringo. Had time permitted we could’ve talked for hours. Very enlightening and enjoyable. Highly recommend visiting The Bird Cage Theater.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 May 2024
- VWilliamsTX88 contributionsCoolest time capsule experience ever!We visited Tombstone AZ and luckily The Bird Cage Theater was right across the street from our hotel (Hotel Tombstone)! You can walk in and visit the lobby with the original bar, bullet holes, steps to the “bird cages” for free. You only have to pay for a tour if you want to see the actual theater room, backstage, and downstairs - which I highly recommend! This was the coolest time capsule that I’ve gotten to visit. We love the Tombstone movie and it was so cool to see the actual history and artifacts behind it. I wish we had more time to stay in Tombstone because I enjoyed it so much!Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 12 July 2024
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4.5
1,727 reviews
Excellent
1,064
Very good
409
Average
172
Poor
42
Terrible
40
Rene C
3 contributions
Sept 2019
Tombstone has changed significantly in the last 20 years. It used to be my 'must stop' place everytime I was in Arizona, even so far as going 12 hours out of my way anytime I was close to Arizona.
They used to have random shoot-outs barreling out of the saloon at any time, guys and gals dressed up like in the old days, walking around, etc.
They had the 'pay to see' attractions, which was more in-depth and that was fine.
But now....everything is commercialized and if you want to see anything at all, be prepared to pay and keep on paying. Everything is done behind closed doors, so you MUST pay to experience anything of the 'Wild West'.
The shows have also went grossly downhill.
For a town that has the motto of 'The town to tough to die', it is now dead. Sure, they have a few things that might be interesting enough if you are in the area, but since I have moved back to Arizona, I haven't even bothered to go out that way
They used to have random shoot-outs barreling out of the saloon at any time, guys and gals dressed up like in the old days, walking around, etc.
They had the 'pay to see' attractions, which was more in-depth and that was fine.
But now....everything is commercialized and if you want to see anything at all, be prepared to pay and keep on paying. Everything is done behind closed doors, so you MUST pay to experience anything of the 'Wild West'.
The shows have also went grossly downhill.
For a town that has the motto of 'The town to tough to die', it is now dead. Sure, they have a few things that might be interesting enough if you are in the area, but since I have moved back to Arizona, I haven't even bothered to go out that way
Written 15 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Casey O
5 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
So fascinating!! It just blows my mind to have stood in the same building as so many from so long ago. All the artifacts in the building are amazing. The Hearse and “mermaid” were my favorites. A “MUST SEE” for sure. And don’t make the mistake of just listening to the free info tour of the front bar area, PAY THE MONEY and take the self guided tour through the building. And don’t rush through it. There are so many things to see. I’ve taken this tour 4 times now and discover something I missed every time. I cannot recommend this enough. You won’t regret it!!
Written 5 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AudreyBeaglePup
United States103 contributions
Mar 2021
It's pretty incredible that this building is still standing after all these years. You will be walking on the same floorboards that Doc Holliday and Wyatt Earp walked on. There are over 100 bullet holes. For $15 you can take a self-guided tour into the theatre itself to see the stage, poker area and brothel rooms. It's almost overwhelming it has so much authentic historical artifacts. I would love to take a guided tour with a true historian to recount stories of the Bird Cage. It was probably my favorite part of visiting Tombstone.
Written 23 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle S
Rio Rancho, NM91 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Bird Cage has someone there telling you about the past, show you some of the bullet holes that cowboys put there.
There is a tour “behind the scenes” I believe it is self guided and I think it was $15 per person, but not positive
We did the night ghost tour for $25 per person; you get a guided tour with history and than sit in the dark and see if anyone from the past shows up. I thought it was fun and interesting to do.
If you are in Tombstone, Bird Cage is a must see since it has the original bar and floors
There is a tour “behind the scenes” I believe it is self guided and I think it was $15 per person, but not positive
We did the night ghost tour for $25 per person; you get a guided tour with history and than sit in the dark and see if anyone from the past shows up. I thought it was fun and interesting to do.
If you are in Tombstone, Bird Cage is a must see since it has the original bar and floors
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt M
North Bend, WA98 contributions
Nov 2020 • Family
The self-guided tour was a great daytime activity with the family. The young lady at the front set up the entire story of the theater very well, and made you feel like you were taking a step back in time when you went behind the scenes in the theater. They have tons of fun artifacts from the Earp days. The hearse was amazing to see. The gift shop had some unique things to buy as well. Definitely recommend this place!
Written 15 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
czihi
Utica, NY281 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
We parked the car and stopped at this place first. There was a guy in a cowboy hat on a microphone talking about the place. My husband and decided to pay the $15 per person to see the place. I commented the guy gave a good sales pitch. I am so glad we took the tour. It is unbelievable all the historical antiques they have in this place. They have a old lawyers walnut desk from tombstone, old handcuffs, a hangman noose, the original hearse used in tombstone, old medical tools, old crap table, old photos, lithographs on the walls that existed when the place was running, poker tables with the cards, chamber pots, etc. It was great to see the stage as well as one of the rooms that was used by the “ladies”. The tour is self guided. If you use a credit card they add the fee so if you use cash you save a little over a dollar. We did not do the ghost tour. If you take photos there are signs that photos cannot be posted on social media.
Written 1 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
islandgurl2
Vancouver Island, Canada887 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Personally, I think 3 stars is generous. There was a host pulling people in off the street, giving a spiel about the history and trying to entice people to pay for a “self guided” tour behind the scenes. They seemed very proud to say it’s the only fully original building in Tombstone. After spending $15 for the privilege to walk through I have to say, maybe they should think about doing some maintenance…
I thought we had been told we would be able to see the upstairs rooms, but the were blocked off. There was insufficient explanation of what the rooms were and what historically happened there. While some of the artifacts and memorabilia were interesting, there was a definite sheen of grime over everything. Gross! Even the brand new books in the gift shop I considered purchasing felt old and dusty when I picked them up, so I left with nothing.
I see many other reviewers thought this was great, but my experience was disappointing and I left feeling like I kind of got “taken”.
I thought we had been told we would be able to see the upstairs rooms, but the were blocked off. There was insufficient explanation of what the rooms were and what historically happened there. While some of the artifacts and memorabilia were interesting, there was a definite sheen of grime over everything. Gross! Even the brand new books in the gift shop I considered purchasing felt old and dusty when I picked them up, so I left with nothing.
I see many other reviewers thought this was great, but my experience was disappointing and I left feeling like I kind of got “taken”.
Written 9 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nichole W
Boise, ID38 contributions
Feb 2020
Tombstone in general is contrived and makes a valiant but unsuccessful attempt to re-enact the wild west. The actual history of Tombstone is interesting but it seems very commercialized and contrived. The Bird Cage Theater is probably one of the few actual original buildings with well-preserved history. The self guided tour took us about 30 minutes and it was interesting to learn about early Tombstone.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LillyLyons
Bemidji, MN88 contributions
Jan 2020
Enter the Bird Cage front area and hear about the building. To go on the self-guided tour, purchase the ticket at the counter. There is a senior discount. Then continue on to the actural main Bird Cage Theatre room that has the stage, original curtain, and the famous upstairs little rooms where ladies of the eventing worked or where people watched the show.
The room is filled with antiques. I found them facinating. The lady in that room was nice and explained the room and the life of the working girls. I spent a lot of time looking at the details of the past in this room. BTW, this room is featured in some Ghost Hunter TV shows.
Continue on to the backstage.There is a herse and memoriabilia from the 1880s. Continue to find the pocker room where it costs $1,000.00 to get in the game.
To the right are the private rooms for a much more expensive time with a working gal. One has photos of Sadie Jo and Wyatt Earp. You can get photos through the opening in the door.
I saw info on Lillie Langtree who had performed at the Bird Cage.
On to see under the main building. So much was found down there.
Continue to the Gift Shop. The Lady in there is so nice. I was able to purchase a nice history book "Wyatt Earp A Biography of the Legend. Vol II, Part 1: Tombstone Before the Earps" There are many things in the shop.
The room is filled with antiques. I found them facinating. The lady in that room was nice and explained the room and the life of the working girls. I spent a lot of time looking at the details of the past in this room. BTW, this room is featured in some Ghost Hunter TV shows.
Continue on to the backstage.There is a herse and memoriabilia from the 1880s. Continue to find the pocker room where it costs $1,000.00 to get in the game.
To the right are the private rooms for a much more expensive time with a working gal. One has photos of Sadie Jo and Wyatt Earp. You can get photos through the opening in the door.
I saw info on Lillie Langtree who had performed at the Bird Cage.
On to see under the main building. So much was found down there.
Continue to the Gift Shop. The Lady in there is so nice. I was able to purchase a nice history book "Wyatt Earp A Biography of the Legend. Vol II, Part 1: Tombstone Before the Earps" There are many things in the shop.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donald H
Reno, NV3,454 contributions
Mar 2021 • Couples
We enjoyed our walk thru tour of this old west historical building. IF you are not interested in the history of Tombstone or theater of the times, this is probably not for you. This is not something that most kids would enjoy. Most will probably like the Birdcage Theater that was built at Knotts Berry Farm for a live show. This is a historic sight chocked full of historic memorabilia that we really took the time to enjoy.
Don’t understand why I can’t post pictures of the inside of this place( signs everywhere against posting).
Again, we enjoyed the history but too expensive for most unless you have that interest.
Don’t understand why I can’t post pictures of the inside of this place( signs everywhere against posting).
Again, we enjoyed the history but too expensive for most unless you have that interest.
Written 5 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are the ghost tours properly socially distanced due to COVID-19? I have an 8pm tour booked this weekend. I'm higher risk, so just want to make sure that safety measures are being taken.
Written 3 February 2021
Sonali B
55 contributions
Is there drama classes taking place at Birdcage Theatre? Do I have to enrol for these drama classes at Birdcage Theatre or not?
Written 11 October 2019
I do not think they conduct acting classes there but I think it might be a great suggestion.
Written 30 August 2020
Could you please tell me, what time approximately, the 8pm ghost tour finishes as we have to travel to Tucson after.
Many Thanks
Phil.
Written 20 October 2017
We took the afternoon tour so I cannot answer your question. I am providing the phone number to the Bird Cage Theater so you may call them directly. Hope this helps.
Phone: (520) 457-3421
Written 20 October 2017
When did the Bird Cage Theatre open? I am aware that the grand opening was December 26, 1881, Was it open for business prior to the official Grand Opening as is common for many businesses in this day & age?
Written 31 May 2017
Tombstone was founded in 1879 by Ed Schieffelin. He found the silver and the prospectors came in droves. I do not know if The zBird sge was opem before the official opening in 1881 but a there was no town at all in existence just 2 years earlier my educated guess would be that it it was built and opened immediately as the buildings and the town was growing fast. The town had a relatively short peak as the silver could not be accessed due to water in the mine and then a fire destroyed the pump that was drawing it out. Hence the mine closed. So most of the population deminish hence buildings were closed which has preserved the interiors for us to see. A truly unique town that has mostly survived 2 fires and the loss og the mine si iy deserves its legend as the town that will not die seeing as it is resurrected again through tourism.
I hope this helps
As the opening of the
Written 1 June 2017
Are you allowed to bring a two year old on either ghost tour
Written 4 February 2017
Children are allowed on the early tour but not the late tour which is for adults only. I personally would not take my 2 year old on a tour of the Bird Cage as it is dusty inside and I personally don't think a 2 year old is ready to hear stories of prostitution and murder.
Written 9 August 2017
We visited today July 13th and the only part of the building open was the store at the front. The back was all chained off as closed. How do you get access to the rest of the building?
Written 14 July 2015
You need to purchase tickets for the tour.
Written 15 July 2015
William Hunley. He is a Tombstone local. His son Billy Hunley has been the manager for about a year.
Written 20 October 2015
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