Uptown Theatre
2906 Hennepin Avenue,
Minneapolis,
MN
55408
2906 Hennepin Avenue,
Minneapolis,
MN
55408
8 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Finkelstein & Ruben, General Cinema Corp., Landmark Theatres (USA), Mann Theatres, Paramount-Publix, Publix
Architects: Jack J. Liebenberg
Firms: Liebenberg and Kaplan
Functions: Live Theatre
Styles: Streamline Moderne
Previous Names: Lagoon Theatre
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News About This Theater
Opened as the Lagoon Theatre on June 3, 1916. By 1926 it was operated by the Finkelstein & Ruben chain. In 1927 it was equipped with a Marr & Colton 2 manual 7 ranks organ. It was remodeled and renamed the Uptown Theatre on April 25, 1929 following a takeover by Publix.
Following a fire in 1939, it was completely rebuilt by the firm of Liebenberg & Kaplan. The seating capacity was for 900 at its reopening on November 16, 1939.
It screened first run art and foreign films. Midnight screenings of cult films were also popular.
This classic movie house has retained all of its stylistic charm and its restored murals. Following conversion to digital on September 14, 2012, it now has a seating capacity for 350.
Last operated by Landmark Theatres, it was permanently closed in 2021. It was announced in March 2023 that there were plans to reopen as an entertainment venue on June 10, 2023.
Contributed by
Kirk
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Recent comments (view all 24 comments)
Updated website: https://www.landmarktheatres.com/minneapolis/uptown-theatre
April 25th, 1929, November 16th, 1939 and September 14th, 2012 grand opening ads in the photo section.
Address in 2906 Hennepin Avenue, confirmed via Google Street View & Wiki. Opened as Lagoon Theatre on Saturday June 3, 1916, not 1913. Also confirmed. Grand Opening print ad added to gallery. Below is a January 2022 article about a potential restoration with blue prints and planned seating for 2500. Not sure if the plan went forward.
https://www.kare11.com/article/entertainment/major-overhaul-in-the-works-for-uptown-theater-in-mpls/89-eb720e31-fd8c-4f1c-bf2d-e2eca82e4bce
When I drove by the Uptown in August the doors were open and construction trucks were parked in front of the theater. Obviously some work is being done on the interior.
February 2020 video tour of the Uptown.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrbM9GX4bBY
Plans are to reopen as an entertainment venue in May. Story here: Uptown
Do any Twin Cities residents remember when the Uptown ran a 70mm double feature of Kubrick’s “2001” and Spielberg’s “Close Encounters”? I wish to confirm the playdate(s) of this booking. I’ve seen an un-dated photo of the marquee and have been unsuccessful in locating any newspaper advertising for such a screening.
Performances begin with a kickoff on June 10. Uptown
This has been reopened as a live theatre.
Look inside the theatre from KARE tv 11
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/first-look-inside-the-newly-renovated-uptown-theater/89-cad50d4b-5e0f-4b9a-9e9c-7db3775d9f1f