State Theatre (Minneapolis) facts for kids
State Theatre in 2015
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| Address | 805 Hennepin Avenue Minneapolis, Minnesota United States |
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| Owner | Hennepin Theatre Trust |
| Operator | Historic Theatre Group |
| Capacity | 2,181 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1921 |
| Reopened | 1991 |
| Architect | J.E.O. Pridmore |
The State Theatre is a famous old theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. It's a special place where people watch shows and movies. It's one of four beautiful old theatres on Hennepin Avenue that have been brought back to life. These include the Pantages Theatre, the Orpheum Theatre, and The Cowles Center.
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History of the State Theatre
The State Theatre first opened its doors in 1921. At that time, it was thought to be one of the most advanced theatres in the whole United States. It was designed by an architect named J.E.O. Pridmore from Chicago. He used a style called Italian Renaissance.
Amazing Features of the Original Theatre
The theatre had the first air conditioning system in Minneapolis. This system used a well to keep everyone cool. The stage floor was made of glass and lit from underneath. This created amazing visual effects during shows.
When it first opened, people could watch a silent film, a newsreel, and a travelogue. In 1925, a special Wurlitzer pipe organ was added. You could even go to concerts there every day for just 25 cents!
The theatre also had a huge neon sign that lit up the entire front. This sign was later changed to electric bulbs in the 1940s. Today, a new neon sign, like the original, lights up the theatre's entrance.
From Movies to Live Shows
For many years, from 1921 to 1978, the State Theatre was mostly a movie house. But it also hosted live shows, concerts, and ballet performances. The movie screen was the biggest screen west of the Mississippi River back then.
A famous movie called Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid played there for a very long time in 1970. The last movie shown before it closed was Tommy on New Year's Eve in 1975.
The theatre was built on the land where a large house once stood. This house belonged to the Walker family. It was built in 1874 and stayed there for 40 years. Then, it was taken down to make way for the theatre.
A New Chapter for the State Theatre
From 1978 to 1989, the building was used as a church. During this time, the original State Theatre sign was taken down. The inside of the building was also changed.
In 1989, the city bought the block where the theatre is located. They wanted to develop the area. After almost two years of work and a cost of $8.8 million, the State Theatre reopened in November 1991. The first show was a musical called Carousel.
Many parts of the theatre were carefully restored. The arch over the stage is very wide and curves 100 feet above the stage. The six beautiful chandeliers in the main hall are original. The murals painted on the walls are also from the theatre's early days.
Since 1991, the State Theatre has hosted many exciting events. These include Broadway shows like Avenue Q and Sweeney Todd. Famous musicians like Patti Smith and Gordon Lightfoot have performed there. It has also shown films, including the world premiere of the Minnesota-based movie, Grumpy Old Men. The theatre even appeared in the 1996 movie Jingle All the Way with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Today, the Hennepin Theatre Trust owns and operates the State Theatre. It continues to be a popular spot for entertainment in Minneapolis.
