The Palace Theater is a historic
theater and
performing arts center in
Luverne, Minnesota. Located downtown, it is owned by the city of Luverne and operated by the Blue Mound Area Theatre Board of Directors. The theater offers live events, movies, concerts, live theater, seminars, and performances by the Green Earth Players.
The 550-seat theater was built in 1915, as a venue for
silent films, and
live theater. It was constructed in 1915 by architect
W.E.E. Greene for owners Herman and Maude Jochims. Much of the theater remains original, including the painted wall panels, stage curtains, and the stylistic wall and ceiling decor.
The Palace has its original
theatre organ, made by the
Geneva Organ Company The Geneva Organ Company was an American manufacturer of pipe organs.
During the age of silent films, the company was a small but notable maker of theatre organs. It produced organs under various names, including ''Geneva Organs'', ''Smith Unit Org ...
. The organ was installed in 1926 to provide accompanying music for the silent movies. The organ has recently been restored, and is one of only a few theater organs that remain where first installed. In addition, it is the oldest working theater organ of its make and model in the United States.
The second story of the building was designed and used as a ballroom. It was later turned into an apartment for the Jochims. It now houses many pictures and pieces of furniture from the original Palace Theater.
The Palace Theatre was placed on the
National Register of Historic Places on November 19, 1978.
References
External links
Official Site* {{YouTube, 2j3P40Ut2A4, News story on the history and renovation of the Palace Theater
Theatres in Minnesota
Theatres completed in 1915
Event venues established in 1915
Performing arts centers in Minnesota
Silent film
Music venues in Minnesota
1915 establishments in Minnesota
National Register of Historic Places in Rock County, Minnesota