Sun Theatre

3627 Grandel Square,
St. Louis, MO 63108

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Fox Circuit, Fox Circuit

Firms: Widdmann & Walsh

Functions: Performing Arts

Previous Names: Victoria Theatre, Fox-Liberty Theatre, Lyn Theatre, 400 Club, World Theatre

Nearby Theaters

Sun Theatre

Opened in 1913 as the 1,500-seat Victoria Theatre, presenting German language plays. it was renamed Fox-Liberty Theatre on September 29, 1918 when it was taken over by William Fox.

The Sun Theatre closed around 1973 as a movie theatre. For a while operated as a nightclub which eventually closed and the building slid into a state of dereliction. Following a $11m restoration the Sun Theatre reopened as a performing arts center on May 10, 2014. It now has a reduced seating capacity of 800 by closing off the rear orchestra and rear balcony seating areas which have been converted into classrooms for the Grand Center Arts Academy.

Contributed by Paul Knittel

Recent comments (view all 14 comments)

RetroMike
RetroMike on July 10, 2010 at 10:38 am

I drove by the Sun last night and the marquee was lit. I took pictures if anyone is interested.

Lak
Lak on August 30, 2011 at 6:38 am

The Western wall has been repaired!! There is serious talk of restoration occurring in the near future. Does anyone else have informnation on this??

JAlex
JAlex on December 27, 2011 at 9:35 am

Dateline of the numberous name changes of this theatre:

1913 – Victoria; 1918 – Fox Liberty; 1924 – Liberty/Liberty Music Hall; 1932 – World; 1932 – Liberty (again); 1932 – World (again); 1936 – Lotus Club; 1942 – Hi-Hat Club; 1943 – 400 Club; 1950 – Sun; 1950 – Lyn.

The last theatrical use I could find was on New Years' Eve 1956.

Lak
Lak on January 7, 2013 at 10:31 am

Restoration of this theatre is underway! It will be restored to its original condition ( although seating will be reduced to about 800)

stelu
stelu on January 7, 2013 at 10:46 am

great. what is the plan for it? a music venue?

stelu
stelu on January 7, 2013 at 10:47 am

Nevermind. Arts Academy. How great this gem has been saved! http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2013/01/04/115-million-sun-theater-renovation.html

LDLM
LDLM on October 4, 2013 at 9:29 am

Hi, I’m the Technical Theatre Coordinator for Grand Center Arts Academy. And yes, this theatre (The Victoria) will be our new home sometime late spring of 2014. I’m working on a history of the building. Does anyone have any details of the time when it was the Sun?? Thanks L.D. Lawson-Mixon

Weekend
Weekend on March 13, 2014 at 12:18 am

Grand Center Arts Academy, is this a private or taxes supported concern? Curious as to where the $11 million is coming from?

JAlex
JAlex on May 15, 2014 at 9:10 am

Theatre reopened on May 10, 2014.

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on January 9, 2023 at 7:10 pm

Circa 1924 photo as Liberty Music Hall added credit Joe Sonderman. “Liberty Music Hall - Home Of The Liberty Maids - 40 People Mostly Girls 40 - 4 Big Shows All In One” painted on the exterior wall. Unique Liberty marquee that included “Home Of Liberty Maids” with an eagle above.

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