Historic Merced Theatre
In 1978 the Theatre was purchased by UA Cinemas and converted into a four-auditorium movie theater. The new owners dismantled the original interior decor and demolished a majority of the handcrafted embellishments. The building slowly fell into disrepair and ultimately could not compete with the larger multi-screen theaters. It closed in 2002.
Since 2002
The Merced Theatre is coming back to life. The Merced Theatre Foundation and the City of Merced are cooperating to restore the theatre to its original state. Please review the history and rennovation links at left to learn more.
Help restore Merced Theatre to former glory
Take a Seat! or Pick a Brick!
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Take a Seat!
The Theatre Foundation is pleased to announce another way to support the restoration of the Merced Theatre: Take a Seat.
Have your contribution for the Merced Theatre remembered by buying a seat (or more than one!) in the Merced Theatre. You, your family, or anyone you choose can be honored with an individualized brass nameplate on a seatback in the Theatre itself. Choose from a range of seat prices:
Upper Balcony $500.00
Orchestra $1,000.00
Orchestra Front $1,200.00
Loge $1,500.00
Seats are assigned on a first-come, first served basis, with each section being filled from the front center. Contribute early for the best location.
To Take a Seat, fill out this form and mail it in---> Purchase a seat form.
WAIT! Want the Best Seat in the house?
The Theatre Foundation has selected the 25 "best seats in the house" for folks who want a special recognition. These 25 seats will be sold at auction. The highest bidder will hand pick his or her seat from the best 25; the next highest bidder will select a seat from the remaining 24 and so on.
The minimum bid for these seats is $1500. The auction will commence on March 15th, 2008 and will end on May 1st, 2008. The highest bidders will be listed here on the Theatre's website. They will also be notified by email as the auction progresses.
To submit your bid, or update your bid, fill out this form and email it to us ----> Best seat.
To see the current high bidders, please click here---> High Bidders
Pick a Brick!
The Theatre Foundation is pleased to announce yet another new way to support the restoration of the Merced Theatre: Pick a Brick.
Have your contribution for the Merced Theatre memorialized with a handsome brick in the sidewalk on King Way, next to the Merced Theatre.
You can choose either a 4 by 8 inch brick for $150.00, or an 8 by 8 inch brick for $250.00. Have your own name in the brick, or honor a loved one of your family. Yes, you can buy more than one!
Bricks are assigned on a first-come, first served basis, with each section being filled first nearest the front door of the Theatre. Contribute early for the best location.
Tax-deductible donations can be made payable to the Merced Theatre Foundation, P.O. Box 716, Merced, CA, 95341. Or call the Theatre for more information at (209) 722-3266.
Print form for Tax-deductible donation form here ---> 
Link to Newsletter - July 2007
Link to Newsletter - December 2007
Now renting!
Win a 2008 Honda Civic!
shirts are now available at the Theatre
for $35.00 each. This is a great way to
support the historic Theatre in style.
Shirts are
available in small, medium,
large and extra large sizes. All proceeds
from the sale of these shirts will benefit
the theatre’s restoration
campaign.
Thank you to Tim O’Neill from Image
Masters for providing
these shirts to
the Foundation at a discounted rate.
$100,000 sponsor
Thank you Merced Sun Star for your
donation of $100,000 in advertising for the
Theatre!!
