Welcome to the Goodale Theater, a cornerstone of Minneapolis’ vibrant cultural landscape. Originally built in 1910 as the Samuel S. Shubert Theater, this historic venue has witnessed over a century of artistic evolution. The Shubert Theater was part of a pioneering era in American theater, conceived as a venue for touring Broadway shows. It was named in memory of Samuel S. Shubert, one of the legendary Shubert brothers who revolutionized the theatrical landscape in the United States.
Designed by the renowned architect William Albert Swasey, the theater originally featured a Classical Revival façade with distinctive bas-relief columns. Throughout the 20th century, the theater adapted to changing times, showcasing not only live performances but also movies, accompanied by a 40-piece pit orchestra. However, the advent of cinema and the Great Depression led to its closure in 1933.
The theater experienced a renaissance in 1935 when it was reopened as ‘The Alvin,’ and continued to host a mix of movies and live performances until 1940. Fast forward to the late 20th century, and the building faced the challenges of urban redevelopment. In a remarkable feat of engineering, the entire structure was moved from its original location on Block E to its current home on Hennepin Avenue in 1999.
Reborn as the Goodale Theater and part of the Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts, the venue reopened in 2011. Named in honor of Dr. Robert L. Goodale and his wife Katherine, whose philanthropy greatly supported the arts, it became a hub for dance and performing arts in the Twin Cities. The theater hosted numerous productions, from flamenco to hip-hop, nurturing both emerging and established artists.
Sadly, the Goodale Theater’s journey faced another chapter of change in 2024 due to financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Though its doors have closed for now, the legacy of creativity and community it fostered continues to inspire Minneapolis and beyond.
