The historic Palace Theatre in Grapevine, Texas is marking its 85th anniversary this week.
The “Jewel of Main Street” is filled with rich history and has served as the cornerstone of entertainment in Grapevine for decades.
The Palace will be screening a Christmas movie at 7 p.m. on November 21, for $10 a ticket, and will be celebrating its history beforehand starting at 6:30 p.m.
Key Historic Facts: Palace Theatre 85th Anniversary
Opening November 21, 1940, it was built by Jerome Kirby Buckner for $25,000
Designed by noted theater architect Raymond F Smith, known for his white stucco exteriors and art-deco flair
First film shown: My Love Came Back starring Olivia de Havilland and Jeffrey Lynn
More than 500 guests attended opening night in 1940
Original ticket prices: 10 cents for adults, 5 cents for children
Original layout included 22 loveseats, 130 balcony seats and 283 main floor seats
Served as Grapevine’s movie theater for more than 25 years
Final film before closure in late 1960s: Serpico
Briefly operated as “The Flicks” by high school students in 1971 – 72
Reopened as The Grapevine Opry in 1975, featuring artists including Willie Nelson, The Judds, Porter Wagoner, Brenda Lee and Shoji Tabuchi
Used as a filming location for Tender Mercies (1983) starring Robert Duvall
Suffered a major fire during remodeling in 1986, causing $100,000 in damage
Threatened with demolition in 1991, the Theater was purchased by Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau on behalf of the Grapevine Heritage Foundation
Underwent major restoration and reopened as the Palace Arts Center on May 21, 2001 and reopened as The Grapevine Opry
The Palace Arts Center now includes two venues under one roof: the 435 seat Palace Theatre and the Lancaster Theatre
The Historic Palace Theatre and Lancaster Theatre continue to serve as a cornerstone for entertainment, meetings, weddings and special events on Historic Main Street.
For more information: www.GrapevinePalaceTheatre.com
