Riverview Theater
3800 42nd Avenue South,
Minneapolis,
MN
55406
3800 42nd Avenue South,
Minneapolis,
MN
55406
8 people
favorited this theater
In the late-1940’s, Sidney and William Volk wanted to replace their aging Falls Theater which was located on Minnehaha Avenue. They contracted with the premier theater architects of that period, Liebenberg and Kaplan, to build one of the finest theaters of that day – the Riverview Theater.
When it opened December 30, 1948, the Riverview Theater was treated to a huge debut that was featured in national publications. The theater’s first film was “June Bride” starring Bette Davis and Robert Montgomery.
The Riverview Theater has survived for decades and looks much the same as it did in the 1950’s, with the same furnishings, including imported Italian marble tables and an auditorium that features a backlit proscenium. You can have your choice of over 700 seats on either the main floor or in the stadium seating section.
New high-backed seats were installed in the spring of 1999. In addition, the space between rows on the main floor was increased to provide more leg room. Stadium seating, although the new megaplexes are advertising it as a new concept, has been available at the Riverview Theater since 1949.
The Riverview was built in 1948 and modernized in 1956.
Today, a trip to the Riverview Theater is like a trip back to the 1950’s. The house retains its 1950’s style and the walls of the lobby are lined with vintage photographs, many in full colour, taken of the theatre in 1956.
It remains an extremely popular theater and it is often hard to find a seat on weekends.
Contributed by
Patrik, Kirk
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Recent comments (view all 19 comments)
The Riverview has just gotten new seats.
This is a 2008 photo.
A December 2008 photo can be seen here.
1982 photo of the Riverview Theatre.
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A 2009 night photo is here.
A superb theater and a true ‘Cinema Treasure’. They frequently hold special screenings of old classic films. In October of 2009 every Thursday was Paul Newman night. They showed ‘The Hustler, 'Cool Hand Luke’, etc… Every December they devote a Sunday to showing the entire ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, often including the extended editions, which are rarely seen on movie screens. Every June they host a screening of ‘Serenity’ to help benefit “Equality Now”, an organization whose stated purpose is to protect the human rights of women around the world. The Riverview uses the screen for presidential and vice presidential debates during election season. These air in High Definition widescreen and admission is free. They also show the presidential inauguration for free admission.
The main business is in showing ‘Second Run’ films (which should be added to the description of this theater’s function), but the true worth is in the older movies. Patrons can also get a hot cup of coffee or a hot cocoa to watch their movie with and it is stadium seating.
Ed Asner visited the Riverview Theater on September 29th, 2009 and gave a talk about his ‘UP’ character Carl Frederickson, and the lessons we can learn about aging and intergenerational relationships. The discussion was followed by a screening of the film.
I hope this theater stays around for a very long time and doesn’t change a thing.
One small note, they don’t take credit or debit cards. Not a big deal, as it adds to the atmosphere. There is an ATM on site.
An earlier May 2005 photo of the Riverview Theatre courtesy yentonces.
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Riverview Theatre Lobby
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Full House
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Looking into the lobby from outside.
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Another loby view
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Another riverview Theatre photo.
http://www.rhs1962.com/images/theaters/rivervw.jpg
The popcorn at the Riverview is fantastic. Some locals even stop by and purchase popcorn to go. The theater advertises its popcorn as “the best in town.” Yummy.