Fleur Cinema & Café

4545 Fleur Drive,
Des Moines, IA 50321

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Fleur Cinema (Official)

Additional Info

Operated by: Fridley Theatres

Previously operated by: Carmike Cinemas, Dubinsky Brothers, Essaness Theaters Corp.

Functions: Movies (First Run)

Previous Names: Fleur Four Theatres, Fleur 4 Theatres

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 515.287.4545

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News About This Theater

Fleur Cinema & Cafe

Originally opened November 25, 1970 by the Dubinsky Brothers as the Fleur Four Theatres. It was later taken over by by Carmike Cinemas as the Fleur 4 Theatres in 1992. It was closed by Carmike in 2001, but a short time later on October 26, 2001 reopened as an independent. The lobby was converted to a café and the theatre given the new name, Fleur Cinema & Café. The theatre mostly plays art film and the theatre/café has proven quite successful. It was closed in March 2020.

It was taken over by Fridley Theatres and reopened in early-September, 2023.

Contributed by Chuck

Recent comments (view all 14 comments)

CSWalczak
CSWalczak on August 13, 2010 at 6:38 am

Poor JV: it was actually Essaness. (I think I remembering reading somewhere that this was a name created by phonetically rendering “S & S” – the first letters of the original owners' last names).

A recent story, with video, about this cinema: http://www.kcci.com/r/24606787/detail.html

rivest266
rivest266 on July 26, 2012 at 10:00 pm

November 25th, 1970 grand opening ad has been uploaded here in the photo section.

rivest266
rivest266 on December 1, 2015 at 10:56 am

December 14th, 2001 grand opening ad in photo section.

CJ1949
CJ1949 on May 31, 2016 at 6:42 pm

the opening may have to be double-checked. An article in the Des Moines Register on Oct. 26, 2001 says “opening today”

rivest266
rivest266 on June 12, 2016 at 6:30 pm

October 26th, 2001 grand reopening ad in photo section.

MSC77
MSC77 on December 31, 2021 at 7:22 pm

Here’s a new 4-page 50th anniversary FIDDLER ON THE ROOF retrospective featuring a roadshow playdate chronology and historian Q&A. The Fleur’s lengthy run is mentioned in the piece.

Logan5
Logan5 on June 14, 2022 at 5:55 am

“The Rocketeer” was presented at the Fleur 4 (Auditorium #4?) beginning on the film’s nationwide release date, Friday June 21, 1991.

rivest266
rivest266 on September 7, 2023 at 5:25 pm

Reopened by Fridley Theatres on September 8th, 2023

“The Fleur Cinema & Café and Fridley Theatres Announce Plans to Reopen Des Moines, IA (July 14th , 2023) – The Fleur Cinema & Café and Fridley Theatres have signed an agreement to reopen the iconic southside movie theatre. “We are excited to operate and partner with The Fleur in its reopening. Our goal is to have the facility open prior to October 1st,” said Russell Vannorsdel, President of Fridley Theatres.

Fridley Theatres operates 17 locations and 95 screens across the state of Iowa. Robert “Bob” Fridley, its founder, had long been a presence in the Des Moines movie landscape, owning several theatres in the metro. “We love The Fleur’s history and atmosphere,” said Vannorsdel, “and we look forward to honoring its legacy and rich tradition of moviegoing.”

The Fleur Cinema & Café was opened and founded by Michael Coppola in 2001, who also previously operated the cinema. It has been closed since the beginning of the pandemic. “I cannot think of a better company to be the steward of this theatre into the future,” said Coppola. “I knew Bob Fridley, and he was one of the kindest men I’ve ever met. A true gentleman who loved the movies and embodied the business.”

The Fleur Cinema & Café will reopen in time for the fall Oscar season, when it will showcase various Academy Award contenders. It will continue to provide the highest quality pictures, exceptional service, and unmatched experience that has made it a staple in the Des Moines area for nearly two decades."

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