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| Feb 5, 1921: State Theatre opens on the former site of the Walker family homestead. It cost approximately $1 million 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 US. The original floor was glass, which allowed direct lighting from underneath. The State boasted the first well driven air-conditioning system in Minneapolis- pumps, pipes & vents which delivered cool air using artesian well water 840 feet underground, keeping the temperature at 72 degrees. The opening night program included a silent film, newsreel and travelogue. |
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| 1925: Wurlitzer pipe organ installed. First concert was Jan 24, with Eddie Dunstedter at the keyboard. Concerts were held every day for $0.50 admission. |
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| 1925-1958: 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 |
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| 1978: Theatre is 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. |
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| 1989: The City of Minneapolis purchases the LaSalle block, which includes the State Theatre, for $11 million. |
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| Nov 1991: After three years of restoration, the State reopens with the Minnesota Opera's production of Carousel.The restoration costs $8.8 million. |
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| The three lobby chandeliers are not original, but of the same age as the theatre; and were obtained them from a now-demolished hotel lobby in Ohio. The six chandeliers in the house are original, as are the murals on the walls. The proscenium spans nearly the full width of the building and curves 100 feet above the stage. It features a mural titled "Bountiful Nudes." The original stagehouse was demolished and a new, larger one constructed. |
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| The State seats 1300 on the main floor, with an additional 850 seats in the balcony/loge area. |
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| Since the reopening in 1991, the State has hosted live Broadway touring productions and concerts, along with films including the world premieres of Minnesota-based films such as Grumpy Old Men. |
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