The Rio Grande Theatre in
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Las Cruces (; "the crosses") is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of New Mexico and the seat of Doña Ana County. As of the 2020 census the population was 111,385. Las Cruces is the largest city in both Doña Ana County and southern Ne ...
was opened on July 29, 1926. The theatre was built by Seale and Dyne and operated by the Central Theatres Corporation of
Denver
Denver () is a consolidated city and county, the capital, and most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado. Its population was 715,522 at the 2020 census, a 19.22% increase since 2010. It is the 19th-most populous city in the Unit ...
.
The first movie shown was the silent movie Mare Nostrum, directed by Rex Ingram.
The Rio Grande Theatre was bought by Fox West Coast Theatres in October 1929. The Fox chain installed sound equipment and showed a sound picture for the opening night, October 20, 1929.
The theatre survived both an earthquake and a fire in the early 1930s. It remained in operation until 1997, when it closed due to financial hardship. The theatre was purchased by the Dona Ana Arts Council and restored, opening again in 2005.
See also
*
National Register of Historic Places listings in Doña Ana County, New Mexico
References
External links
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Dona Ana Arts CouncilOpening of the Rio Grande TheatreInstalling Sound Equipment in the Rio Grande Theatre
Buildings and structures in Las Cruces, New Mexico
Theatres in New Mexico
Buildings and structures in Doña Ana County, New Mexico
Tourist attractions in Doña Ana County, New Mexico