Theater Minneapolis Mn | Parkway

4814 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417 Neighborhood: Tangletown (just a few blocks south of Lake Street)

Here’s the full story of why the Parkway should be on your must-visit list. The Parkway first opened its doors in 1931 as a single-screen movie palace. For decades, it served the then-thriving commercial hub of South Minneapolis, showing first-run films to packed houses. But like many historic theaters, it suffered through the suburban flight of the 1970s and the multiplex boom of the 80s and 90s. parkway theater minneapolis mn

Whether you're a film buff, a live music fan, a pizza lover, or just someone looking for a unique date night, the Parkway delivers. But like many historic theaters, it suffered through

It’s the sound of 200 people laughing together at a comedy. It’s the collective gasp during a horror movie. It’s the feeling of sitting in a room that has hosted nearly a century of human emotion. It’s the collective gasp during a horror movie

By the early 2000s, the Parkway had fallen on hard times. It was dark, dilapidated, and facing the wrecking ball. For a while, it operated as a second-run dollar theater, but that couldn't last. It looked like the final credits were about to roll on a piece of Minneapolis history. The plot twist came in 2007 when a group of five neighborhood investors—dubbed the "Parkway Five"—bought the theater. They didn't have Hollywood budgets, but they had vision. Over the next several years, they painstakingly restored the art-deco charm, replaced the roof, rebuilt the stage, and upgraded the sound and projection.

The isn’t just another place to watch a movie. It’s a phoenix that rose from the ashes of urban decay, a neighborhood anchor, and a shining example of what happens when a community refuses to let history fade to black.

If you live in Minneapolis, you’ve likely driven past it—the glowing vertical marquee and classic terracotta facade at 4814 Chicago Avenue. If you haven’t been inside yet, you’re missing out on one of the most vibrant and versatile entertainment venues in the Twin Cities.