Historical Missouri Theater, a $1,000,000 1200 seat "Movie Palace" opened in 1927, residents had watched the construction for over a year of the extravagant "open air playhouse" while listing to bizarre stories of the exotic sculpture inside the building done by 20 year old Wayland Gregory. Publix Theatre Corporation, a division of Paramount, owned the gala theatre.
The road of ownership was long and rocky for the first 50 years, the building still structurally sound, had fallen into a sad state of neglect.
In 1976 a non-profit Town Hall Center, Inc, was organized by a group interested in saving the theater from demolition or conversion into a multi-cinema facility. It was their intention that the theater-serve a broad number of community purposes. Following a massive educational campaign the electorate of St Joseph voted a bond for the purchase and renovation of the theater as a city center for the performing arts. The City of St Joseph purchased the property as a city center for the performing arts in 1978.
The Missouri Theater's unique structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, as the citizens of St Joseph refused to allow destruction of one of the country's few examples of Hollywood-Oriental style. A $1.9 million renovation project was completed in 2002.
Considered to be one of the four finest theaters in the United States, this Morrish style building features include a huge Bedouin tent ceiling and many sculptures including winged bulls, gods, and archers in combat.
Theatre employees last week saved the Theatre from a disaster, when a slow burning fire was discovered in a 100-year old grand piano that had been pushed against three electrical panels.
Thanks to the St Joseph community the Missouri Theater proudly lifts its curtain as the center of our diverse arts community.
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Dona very beautiful building ..and so fortunate that the employees saved it from disaster...thanks for sharing the great photos...peace zane
Hi Zane! The Missouri Theater has always been such a great theater, I do not want to think what could have happened if the fire would have crept to the stage curtain. St Joseph is very grateful to the employees that quickly distinguished the fire. The plaster sculptures in the theater are truly magnificent. Thanks for commenting.
"One of the four finest theaters in the United States" ...that is amazing! I would love to see it one day.
Hi Terrie! I do hope you can visit soon. You would love the Missouri Theater and the Performing Arts organization offers so many different events.
Dona,
What an awesome looking building! Thank you for sharing the history.
Ann Hayden in warm Wildwood, Missouri
Hi Ann! I love to share the history of St Joseph and our wonderful buildings we have. The Missouri Theater is such a great restored property and the events there are some of the best. Thanks for commenting.
Dona....That is a beautiful building aren't we lucky to have historic societies that restore and save these building for other generations to share......:0)
Helpfulhannah your friend in Philadelphia
Hi Hannah! St Joseph just would not allow this beautiful theater to be put down and we are so thankful that many organizations give their time and sometimes money to maintain our beautiful old properties. Thank you for commenting.
I love those old historic theaters. We've had two here that were saved from the wrecking ball in recent years, both open and doing a booming business.
Hi Russel! I am not bragging (well maybe I am) The Missouri Theater is one of the finest in the United States and is a great asset for St Joseph and our Arts community. Thanks for commenting.