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

Just one month until Minions and Monsters comes to Ely's Historic State Theater (July 1)!
06/02/2026

Just one month until Minions and Monsters comes to Ely's Historic State Theater (July 1)!

Ely Film Festival MN Enthusiasts! Nathan Deming has a new film called Winter Hymns that will be playing at Ely's Histori...
06/01/2026

Ely Film Festival MN Enthusiasts! Nathan Deming has a new film called Winter Hymns that will be playing at Ely's Historic State Theater Saturday June 6 at 7 pm and Sunday June 7 at 1 pm (two shows only!). Click below to see a trailer for Winter Hymns. Nathan was last in Ely when his film, February, headlined Friday night of the 2025 Ely Film Festival. Let's welcome Nathan back to Ely! Tickets are $7 and can be purchased in-person or online at elystatetheater.org . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO8bOma4Xik

A palliative care doctor (Colleen Madden) meets with a series of dying patients and their families on a cold winter day. Also starring Tara Mallen, Brian Hus...

Calling all Ely Film Festival Enthusiasts! Join the Ely Film Fest this weekend for a screening of Winter Hymns, the newe...
06/01/2026

Calling all Ely Film Festival Enthusiasts!

Join the Ely Film Fest this weekend for a screening of Winter Hymns, the newest film from EFF alumni Nathan Deming. Nathan was last in Ely when his film, February, headlined Friday night of the 2025 Ely Film Festival.

Help us welcome Nathan back to Ely this weekend!

We have new beverage and food items at Ely's Historic State Theater! Three kinds of Black Rifle Coffee Co canned coffee:...
06/01/2026

We have new beverage and food items at Ely's Historic State Theater! Three kinds of Black Rifle Coffee Co canned coffee: Expresso with Cream, Expresso with Caramel, and Double Shot Expresso. Mezete hummus with bread sticks in two different flavors: roasted red pepper and classic. We have added Fraboni Cheddar Delites (cheese inside) in addition to the regular hot dogs
We also now have 2 beers from HammerHeart Brewing Company (which is here in Ely): a pilsner on tap and an IPA in the can (beautiful looking cans).

05/31/2026

Pressure is now showing at Ely's Historic State Theater! Really good film. 87% on the Tomatometer and 95% on the Popcornmeter at Rotten Tomatoes (critics and audiences have been loving it, we have heard a lot of positive comments from people that have already seen it this weekend). Pressure is playing June 1-4 at 1, 4, and 7 pm this week (we are open seven days a week) and June 5-11 it will be playing at 12:30, 3:30, and 6:30 pm. You may have to click unmute to hear the sound 😀

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is playing in the Greenstone (smaller theater)! Showtimes May 31 through June 4 are...
05/31/2026

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is playing in the Greenstone (smaller theater)! Showtimes May 31 through June 4 are 12:30, 3:30, and 6:30 pm at Ely's Historic State Theater! Tickets are $7. Disclaimer "STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU contains several sequences with flashing lights that may affect those who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy or have other photosensitivities."

Two great movies are showing at Ely's Historic State Theater May 30-June 4 (we are on summer hours so we are open seven ...
05/31/2026

Two great movies are showing at Ely's Historic State Theater May 30-June 4 (we are on summer hours so we are open seven days a week)! Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu is showing in the Greenstone (smaller theater) at 12:30, 3:30, and 6:30 pm. Pressure is showing at 1, 4, and 7 pm in the State. See you at the movies!

05/30/2026

If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? Disclosure Day, written and directed by Steven Spielberg, comes to Ely's Historic State Theater June 12! Click unmute to hear the sound 😀

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, is now playing at Ely's Historic State Theater! ALSO, our summer hours start today...
05/29/2026

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, is now playing at Ely's Historic State Theater! ALSO, our summer hours start today. We are now open seven days a week. Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu will be showing every day this week (May 29-June 4) at 12:30, 3:30, and 6:30 pm in the Greenstone (smaller theater). Tickets are only $7 and you can buy them in-person or online at our website elystatetheater.org . You can also enter our Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu EHST Sweepstakes giveaway for a chance to win one of three fantastic prizes. No purchase necessary, one entry per day between today through June 11. Entry forms are near concessions.
Prize #1: A full-size Mandalorian cutout with the Darksaber plus a cardboard cutout of Grogu
Prize #2: A full-size Mandalorian cutout with a blaster plus a cardboard cutout of Grogu
Prize #3: A full-size Stormtrooper cardboard cutout plus a cardboard cutout of Grogu
Disclaimer "STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU contains several sequences with flashing lights that may affect those who are susceptible to photosensitive epilepsy or have other photosensitivities."

Pressure starts today at Ely's Historic State Theater! ALSO, our summer hours start today. We are now open seven days a ...
05/29/2026

Pressure starts today at Ely's Historic State Theater! ALSO, our summer hours start today. We are now open seven days a week. Pressure will be showing every day this week (May 29-June 4) at 1, 4, and 7 pm. At every screening you can also enter for a chance to win a framed set of Eisenhower stamps from Firefly Vintage Goods! Tickets are only $7 and you can buy them in-person or online at our website elystatetheater.org

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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