What Was the First Movie Theater Established in St Louis?

Movie Theater|Theater

According to the St. Louis Historical Society, the first theater to open in St. Louis was the Grand Opera House, located at 10th and Pine Streets. The Grand Opera House opened in 1884 and was one of the earliest examples of a modern theater in the city. The theater was designed by prominent St. Louis architect William B. Ittner and featured seating for 1,500 people.

The Grand Opera House was a popular destination for theatrical performances, concerts, and lectures throughout its lifetime. Performers such as John Philip Sousa, W.C. Fields, Sophie Tucker, and Oscar Wilde all appeared on its stage.

The Grand Opera House also served as an early movie theater beginning in 1905 when it began showing silent films. At this time, there were few dedicated movie theaters in St. Louis and most theaters that showed movies were vaudeville houses like the Grand Opera House.

In 1912, the city’s first dedicated movie theater opened – The Empress Theater at Broadway and Chouteau Avenue (now Delmar Blvd). It was a large three-story structure with over 1,000 seats and a balcony for viewing films.

Conclusion

The first movie theater established in St Louis was the Empress Theater which opened its doors in 1912 on Broadway and Chouteau Avenue (now Delmar Blvd). Prior to this establishment there had been few dedicated movie theaters in St Louis so most theaters that showed movies were vaudeville houses like the Grand Opera House which opened in 1884 on 10th and Pine Streets.