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Historic Old Tucson film studio reopens after two years

Historic Old Tucson, which was shut down by COVID-19 in 2020, reopened in October under new management. Old Tucson began in 1939, when Columbia Pictures leased land from Pima County and built more than 50 buildings to depict Tucson in the 1860s for the film “Arizona,” released in 1940. (Photo by Paloma Garcia/Cronkite News) As a hub for sweet treats, McLintock Mercantile plays a key role in nightly festivities during the holiday season at Old Tucson. Photo taken Oct. 21, 2022. (Photo by Paloma Garcia/Cronkite News) Old Tucson boasts a grand theater for grand events, including Nightfall and Yuletide performances. Photo taken Oct. 21, 2022. (Photo by Paloma Garcia/Cronkite News) The church and cemetery in Old Tucson can be seen on walking tours during Nightfall and Old West Days. The movie set and theme park reopened in October after being shut down two years during the pandemic. Photo taken Oct. 21, 2022. (Photo by Paloma Garcia/Cronkite News) The railroad station at Old Tucson, which sits on land Pima County has leased to American Heritage Railways. The tourism company also sponsors Polar Express train rides. Photo taken Oct. 21, 2022. (Photo by Paloma Garcia/Cronkite News) A variety of facades along Main Street in Old Tucson advertise eateries and general stores that have been in such notable films as “Tombstone” and “Rio Bravo.” Photo taken Oct. 21, 2022. (Photo by Paloma Garcia/Cronkite News)