Varsity Theater

What secrets hide behind the velvet curtains of the Varsity Theater? Right here in Dinkytown, the Varsity Theater isn’t just any old building. It’s a living testament to changing times, echoing with the spirit of vaudeville, the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age, and the raw energy of rock and roll. The Varsity Theater first opened its doors in 1915 as the University Theater. Imagine the excitement as it debuted as one of the last grand vaudeville houses in a city captivated by live entertainment. But as the years flickered by, so did the nature of entertainment itself. Movies began to outshine vaudeville, prompting a dramatic transformation. In 1939, the theater underwent a dazzling Art Moderne makeover, reemerging as the Varsity Theater. This wasn’t just a fresh coat of paint, it was a symbol of progress, a nod to the streamlined elegance of the era. The grand reopening on April 21st, 1939 marked the beginning of a new chapter, showcasing Hollywood’s latest silver screen offerings. The Varsity Theater thrived for decades, its marquee a beacon illuminating the streets of Dinkytown. By the 1980s, however, the curtain began to fall on this era. The theater closed its doors, sparking fierce debates about its future. Plans to revive it as a club or music venue flickered and faded until it found a new purpose as a photo studio. The auditorium, once alive with audiences, transformed into a space for backdrops, props, and the artistry of photography. Yet, the heart of the Varsity Theater yearned to beat with the rhythm of live performance once more. In 2005, that dream became a reality when it reopened its doors, not as a movie palace or vaudeville stage, but as a vibrant concert hall. Today, the Varsity Theater continues to evolve, hosting a diverse tapestry of musical acts that would make its vaudeville predecessors proud. From the echoing riffs of rock legends to the soulful melodies of contemporary artists, the Varsity Theater remains a vital part of Minneapolis’s vibrant cultural landscape.