The Rio Grande Theatre in Las Cruces, New Mexico was opened on July 29, 1926. The theatre was built by Seale and Dyne and operated by the Central Theatres Corporation of Denver.

Rio Grande Theatre
Rio Grande Theatre is located in New Mexico
Rio Grande Theatre
Location211 N. Downtown Mall, Las Cruces, New Mexico
Coordinates32°18′38″N 106°46′42″W / 32.31056°N 106.77833°W / 32.31056; -106.77833
Arealess than one acre
Built1926 (1926)
ArchitectThorman, Otto H. and Guy L. Frazer; Goetting, C.A.
Architectural styleRenaissance
NRHP reference No.03001352[1]
NMSRCP No.1829
Significant dates
Added to NRHPJanuary 2, 2004
Designated NMSRCPAugust 8, 2003

The first movie shown was the silent movie Mare Nostrum, directed by Rex Ingram.

Fox West Coast Theatres bought the Rio Grande Theatre in October 1929. The Fox chain installed sound equipment and showed a sound picture for the October 20, 1929 opening night.

The theatre survived both an earthquake and a fire in the early 1930s. It remained in operation until 1997, when it closed due to financial hardship. The theatre was purchased by the Dona Ana Arts Council and restored, opening again in 2005.[2]

Many major musical artists have performed at the Rio Grande Theatre including Judy Collins, Joe Bonamassa, and Wishbone Ash.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ "History | Rio Grande Theatre - las Cruces, NM".
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