World Theatre
16 N. 7th Street,
Minneapolis,
MN
55402
16 N. 7th Street,
Minneapolis,
MN
55402
4 people
favorited this theater
Additional Info
Previously operated by: Mann Theatres, MN
Architects: Jack J. Liebenberg
Firms: Liebenberg and Kaplan
Previous Names: Garden Theatre
Nearby Theaters
Opened as the Garden Theatre in 1915, the 600-seat theatre was closed by the late-1920’s.
It was totally rebuilt in 1932 and reopened on October 20, 1932 as the World Theatre. Originally screening foreign features, the World Theatre soon began showing first-run features.
In the late-1940’s, it was modernized, both inside and out, and seating was increased to 461 with the enlargement of the balcony.
Starting in 1949, with "Take Me Out to the Ballgame", it became known as the place to see the latest MGM musicals, into the mid-1950’s.
When Ted Mann acquired the World Theatre in 1955, it was once more rebuilt, in Modernist style, at the cost of over $150,000. The architectural firm Liebenbreg & Kaplan carried out the rebuild.
The World Theatre remained a popular venue for first-class films for decades, including its longest run ever, when "The Graduate" ran for over a year beginning in 1967, and was also was its highest-grossing film.
In 1983, the World Theatre was closed, and torn down a few years later.
Contributed by
Bryan Krefft
Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.
Recent comments (view all 18 comments)
Before it was remodeled in 1933, the lobby fronted on Hennepin Avenue. Later, during Ted Mann’s tenure, the balcony was remodeled into his offices and screening room, with an entrance on 7th. Street.
Before it was remodeled in 1933, the lobby fronted on Hennepin Avenue. Later, during Ted Mann’s tenure, the balcony was remodeled into his offices and screening room, with an entrance on 7th. Street.
1972 photo added courtesy of Mike Evangelist.
1977 photo added, credit William Burleson, who worked there at the time.
1958 photo added courtesy of The Last Remaining Seats Facebook page. Possibly the same photo from the 2008 dead link.
Photo added to Photos Section. Photo credit and below copy Ⓒ James Orndorf.
The WORLD Theater letters were removed in the middle of the night by Tom H. and brought to First Ave., they were used in a downtown holiday decorating contest, which the Ave. lost to Glam Slam (I think).
They eventually disappeared from the Ave. when the storage room was gutted for the bar behind the ladies restroom.
Ⓒ James Orndorf
I moved to Minneapolis in 1966. The World began its showings at 10:00 am. I could squeeze in an early movie and still make my afternoon classes at the U. The concession lady who sold popcorn always flexed the box so I’d get an extra generous helping.
I worked at the World and Academy theaters in the late 70’s. Here is a comic I did about one story……https://www.facebook.com/357853984334717/photos/a.656286354491477.1073741834.357853984334717/923656207754489/?type=3&theater
October 20th, 1932 grand opening ad in the photo section.
Article:
Found on Newspapers.com
“The Graduate” opened here fifty years ago today. The film went on to play a venue record 57 weeks. And here’s a new retrospective article which includes some exhibition history (and other) details to commemorate the classic film’s golden anniversary.