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State Theatre

Minneapolis, US

State Theatre

The State Theatre is an historic theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. It is one of four restored theatres in the Hennepin Theatre District. It is one of four restored theaters on Hennepin Avenue, along with the Orpheum Theatre, the Pantages Theatre, and the Shubert Theatre (now The Cowles Center)

. The theatre seats 2,181. It opened in 1921 and was then considered the most technologically advanced and elaborate theatre in the United States. It was designed by the Chicago architect J.E.O. Pridmore in a free Italian Renaissance style and boasted the first well-driven air conditioning system in Minneapolis. The original stage floor was glass, lit from underneath to create stunning visual effects. The opening night program featured a silent film, newsreel and travelogue. A Wurlitzer pipe organ was installed in 1925 and concerts were held every day. The State's original neon marquee ran the entire width of the theatre; it was replaced with electric bulbs and large letters reading "STATE" in the 1940s. The neon sign was recreated for a modern remodel and now adorns the theatre's frontage. Between 1921 and 1978, the State was used primarily as a movie house, but also hosted vaudeville acts...

Listen to the audio guide for State Theatre Free on WIP — starts by itself when you arrive, even with the screen off

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