About
Historic State Theatre :-
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!
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