680 - Empire Arts Center
This nighttime photo shows the Empire Arts Center in downtown Grand Forks, ND. The historic brick theater building is lit up with glowing marquee lights and a vertical neon sign reading “EMPIRE,” while streaks of car lights pass along the street in the foreground.
The New Grand Theatre, now known as the Empire Arts Center, opened to the public on November 10th, 1919. Despite a foot of snow, guests turned out to watch the film, “A Witness for the Defense” with live music provided by a 5-piece orchestra.
The modern movie theatre was designed by Minneapolis architects, Beuchner and Orth, the same firm that designed the magnificent Grand Forks County Courthouse and other courthouses around the state. The Grand Forks Herald described it as “the premier film house of North Dakota”. The initial plans describe and 18-ft entrance with double swinging doors at the center of building. The manager’s office was located on one side and a retail store on the other. Large plate glass windows on either side, trims of marble and stone and a large canopy suggest a grand theatre, indeed.
In 1930, the theatre received an extensive renovation including a new marquee, sidewalk box office and new movie equipment. A contract was signed with Paramount –Publix, changing the theatre’s name to Paramount. The name was again changed to Empire in the early 1950s to reflect the progress of the State due to oil extraction, land development and industry.
The Empire experienced a number of challenges over the years from closure due to low attendance, to increased competition from new multiplex theatres. The 1997 flood caused much damage when the theatre was undergoing an extensive renovation project. But it has managed to reinvent itself and overcome those challenges to remain one of the most beloved venues in the City. It now hosts live performances, film festivals, and community events. The Empire Arts Center partnered with the University of North Dakota Art Collections to host a downtown art gallery space showcasing works from the University’s collection and visiting exhibitions.