Ely's Historic State Theater

Ely's Historic State Theater Our mission is to ignite imagination, foster connection, and celebrate storytelling. Today, the theater buzzes with activity.

We cultivate a vibrant, healthy community by providing accessible and inclusive entertainment, educational experiences, and welcoming gathering spaces for Ely and beyond. The Ely State Theater is a beloved landmark, rich in history and full of community and life. Built in 1935–1936 during the challenging times of the Great Depression, it was designed by the famous Upper Midwest architects Liebenbe

rg and Kaplan in the stunning Art Deco style. Originally called the "Rio" during its early planning stages, the theater proudly opened as the State Theater in October 1936, featuring a bright 36-foot neon marquee that quickly became a shining beacon on Sheridan Street. From its very first screening, My American Wife, the theater offered a welcoming place for locals to enjoy the magic of film. With its elegant stone exterior, a spacious auditorium seating 630, and a state-of-the-art RCA sound system, the State provided more than just movies—it was an experience. Even as television and video changed entertainment habits, the State Theater remained important to Ely. In the 1980s, local movie enthusiast Ron Forsman worked hard to keep the theater alive, reopening it and preserving its place in the community. Though it closed in 2008, a new chapter began in 2014 when the Ott family, experienced in restoring historic buildings, bought the theater with plans to bring it back to life. In July 2015, the State Theater was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In February 2020, a nonprofit organization called Ely’s Historic State Theater was formed by community members dedicated to managing and maintaining this cultural gem. In addition to showing first-run and classic films year-round, the theater produces the annual Ely Film Festival, which showcases independent films and brings fresh voices to the screen, and supports live performances, arts education, and special community events. Additionally, it works alongside other local nonprofits, helping to strengthen Ely’s community. With its rich history, welcoming vibes, and lively programs, the Ely State Theater is a beloved gathering spot where the community connects, stories are shared, and the arts flourish. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drq1MxPkDFw

06/19/2026

Young Washington is coming to Ely's Historic State Theater July 3! Here is a short video clip advertising the film. Starring William Franklyn-Miller, Ben Kinglsey, Kelsey Grammer, Andy Serkis, Mary-Louise Parker, and Joel Smallbone.

Final week for In The Grey at Ely's Historic State Theater! Shows are at 1, 4, and 7 pm June 19-25. Synopsis: A covert t...
06/19/2026

Final week for In The Grey at Ely's Historic State Theater! Shows are at 1, 4, and 7 pm June 19-25. Synopsis: A covert team of elite operatives are living in the shadows. When a ruthless despot steals a billion-dollar fortune, they’re sent to take it back—an impossible heist that erupts into a deadly game of strategy, deception and survival. If you like Guy Richie films, you are going to love it. Lot of fun.

Final week of Disclosure Day at Ely's Historic State Theater! Playing in the Greenstone (smaller theater) every day this...
06/19/2026

Final week of Disclosure Day at Ely's Historic State Theater! Playing in the Greenstone (smaller theater) every day this week (June 19-June 25) at 12:30, 3:30, and 6:30 pm. Emily Blunt is outstanding! See you at the movies.

Come join us for the Stony River Album release of 10 Miles of Bad Road at Ely's Historic State Theater. Stony River is a...
06/18/2026

Come join us for the Stony River Album release of 10 Miles of Bad Road at Ely's Historic State Theater. Stony River is a String Band out of Ely, MN. Playing high energy blend of Northern Crabgrass because they can't seem to get the blue stuff to grow under all that snow!
For over a decade, these longtime friends have been making music together, showcasing both their proficiency of the strings and the joy of playing side by side. With a lively blend of country, soul, and grass, their sound is heartfelt, down-to-earth and guaranteed to get your heart grooving and your feet moving.
Thor Leseman and company will start off the night. $10 tickets in advanced and $15 tickets at the door.
We will have hor d’oeuvres provided by Boundary Waters Catering.

Minions and Monsters is coming in less than two weeks to Ely's Historic State Theater! July 1! Tickets are $7 and can al...
06/18/2026

Minions and Monsters is coming in less than two weeks to Ely's Historic State Theater! July 1! Tickets are $7 and can already be purchased in-person or online at our website elystatetheater.org . Banana!!!!!!!!

Congratulations to the winners of the Star Wars The Mandalorian and Grogu EHST Sweepstakes: Rowan Kemnitz, Brandi Richar...
06/16/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the Star Wars The Mandalorian and Grogu EHST Sweepstakes: Rowan Kemnitz, Brandi Richards, and Hunter! I think we have been having trouble reaching Rowan with the contact information provided so if you know Rowan please let him know. We will have a couple more sweepstake giveaways as well as movie pass giveaways this summer before our 90th anniversary celebration of the State theater so keep checking out our posts for chances to win.

Disclosure Day (Steven Spielberg's new science fiction movie) is showing Monday-Thursday (June 15-18) at 1, 4, and 7 pm ...
06/15/2026

Disclosure Day (Steven Spielberg's new science fiction movie) is showing Monday-Thursday (June 15-18) at 1, 4, and 7 pm at Ely's Historic State Theater! Tickets are $7 and can be purchased in-person at the theater or at our website elystatetheater.org

In the Grey starts today at Ely's Historic State Theater! Showtimes are 12:30, 3:30, and 6:30 pm June 12-June 18 (open e...
06/12/2026

In the Grey starts today at Ely's Historic State Theater! Showtimes are 12:30, 3:30, and 6:30 pm June 12-June 18 (open every day of the week). All shows for In the Grey will be in the Greenstone theater (smaller theater) this week. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased in-person or online at our website elystatetheater.org . A covert team of elite operatives are living in the shadows. When a ruthless despot steals a billion-dollar fortune, they’re sent to take it back—an impossible heist that erupts into a deadly game of strategy, deception and survival.

Steven Spielberg's new science fiction movie, Disclosure Day, starts today at Ely's Historic State Theater! Showtimes ar...
06/12/2026

Steven Spielberg's new science fiction movie, Disclosure Day, starts today at Ely's Historic State Theater! Showtimes are 1, 4, and 7 pm June 12 through June 18 (we are open every day this week). Tickets are $7. If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? I am excited to see it 😀

Today (Thursday June 11) is the final day for Pressure at Ely's Historic State Theater! Shows are at 12:30, 3:30, and 6:...
06/11/2026

Today (Thursday June 11) is the final day for Pressure at Ely's Historic State Theater! Shows are at 12:30, 3:30, and 6:30 pm in the Greenstone (smaller theater). 😀

Address

238 E Sheridan Street
Ely, MN
55731

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 8pm
Tuesday 12pm - 8pm
Wednesday 12pm - 8pm
Thursday 12pm - 8pm
Friday 12pm - 8pm
Saturday 12pm - 8pm
Sunday 12pm - 8pm

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