The
Historic State Theatre is part of a trio of theatres located in the Hennepin
Theatre District in downtown Minneapolis. Located at 805 Hennepin Ave, it is in
the heart of downtown boasting wonderful sightlines and great acoustics. Seating
in the theater is very comfortable and spacious. Amenities are well laid out
for convenience and there are several great restaurants in the same building or
within walking distance. Parking is easily accessible and ranges from the heated
underground parking in the same building to many parking ramps within one block
of the theater.
The State
Theatre opened on the former site of the Walker family homestead on February 5,
1921. The theatre cost approximately one million dollars and was designed by Chicago architect J.E.O. Pridmore. At the time, it was considered the most technologically
advanced and elaborate theatre in the nation.
The
original floor was all glass, which allowed dramatic direct lighting from
underneath. The State Theatre boasted the first well driven air-conditioning
system in Minneapolis. The system delivered cool air using artesian well water
840 feet underground.
The
opening night of the theatre included a silent film, newsreel and travelogue.
From 1925
to 1958, the theatre was primarily used as a movie house. It is designed so
that every person has a perfect view of the stage and boasts the largest movie
screen west of the Mississippi River. In 1925, a Wurlitzer pipe organ was also
installed and concerts were held every day for a meager $0.50 admission.
In 1978,
the current State Theatre was purchased by the Jesus People Church for use as their place of worship. During this time all the murals and sculpted figures
were covered by drapes and plaster shields.
In 1989,
the City of Minneapolis purchased the LaSalle block, which included the State Theatre,
for 11 million dollars. The State went through a three year, 8.8 million dollar
renovation project. In 1991, the Historic State Theatre reopened and performed the
Minnesota Opera's production of Carousel.
The
opulent interior is breath taking. The three grand lobby chandeliers are not
original, but of the same era as the theatre. The six chandeliers in the house
are original, as are the hand-painted murals on the walls. The area of the theatre
that is located between the curtain and the orchestra is called a proscenium.
It spans nearly the full width of the building and curves 100 feet above the
stage. It features a legendary mural titled "Bountiful Nudes."
The State
Theatre seats 1300 on the main floor, with an additional 850 seats in the
balcony area.
Since the
reopening in 1991, the State has hosted live Broadway touring productions and
concerts, along with select films. The Hennepin Avenue theatre district
atmosphere and the great viewing amenities of the Historic State Theatre, make
this venue one of the hottest tickets in town!
The State Theater has recently been an attraction for some of the hippest theatrical-style music performers. Bright Eyes, Lucinda Williams and Jonny Lang have all played State Theater shows in 2007. The musical acoustics the State Theater provides for music has attracted these artists, who you would probably otherwise see at a venue like First Avenue or the Fine Line Music Café. When the State Theater hosts your favorite artists, make sure not to pass up on tickets for it to hear a truly amazing show! Get tickets to see future concerts from adventurous musical artists today.
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