Merced Theatre History

In 1978 the Theatre's interiors were demolished and removed. A central full-height partition was constructed and a four screen multiplex was created. The local art community tried galiantly but failed to save it. The multiplex configuration remains to this day.

The tragedy is that the new configuration was never financially successful and ultimately could not compete with the newer movie theatres as a movie only operation. The building slowly fell further into
disrepair and the doors were finally closed in 2002.

The Merced Theatre opened on October 31st , 1931 with the world premier of Local Boy Makes Good staring Joe E. Brown. The building was constructed over the previous nine months at a cost of $380,000.00. For the next 47 years it would serve the Merced community in a wide variety of ways including concerts, graduations, dance performances, weddings and of course, movies. It was and still is treasured by the people of Merced County. The Tower is the most recognized landmark in Merced.

The Theatre was designed by the Reid Brothers , prestigious architects from San Francisco for the Golden State Theatre Corporation, and boasted 1,645 seats with the first air conditioning for any building in the County. The City of Merced had a population of only 7,066 at the time. We believe the Theatre is the last project completed by the Reid Brothers as one of them died 3 months after the opening. The Theatre building includes five retail spaces and ten second-floor apartments on the Main Street frontage.

What made the Theatre so special was the Theatre's interior. Sitting in the Theatre was a like being in a Spanish castle courtyard with blue skies and even a cloud machine.

These photos and a few more are all that remain now as a record of the once incredible interior. It is the intent of the Merced Theatre Foundation to restore the interior to match the original scheme to the degree possible while updating theatrical , lighting and sound systems to a state-of-the-art standard. We will have a brand new theatre that comes with its own 75 year history.

In 2002 the City of Merced Redevelopment Agency purchased the Theatre Building. Since that time the Merced Theatre Foundation has leased the Theatre from the City and is responsible for day to day operations. Theatre Two remains operational with 300 seats and a small stage where movies are shown monthly and other events are held by arrangement.


home	In 1978 the Theatre's interiors were demolished and removed. A central full-height partition was constructed and a four screen multiplex was created. The local art community tried galiantly but failed to save it. The multiplex configuration remains to this day. The tragedy is that the new configuration was never financially successful and ultimately could not compete with the newer movie theatres as a movie only operation. The building slowly fell further into disrepair and the doors were finally closed in 2002. The Merced Theatre 1934 The Merced Theatre opened on October 31st , 1931 with the world premier of Local Boy Makes Good staring Joe E. Brown. The building was constructed over the previous nine months at a cost of $380,000.00. For the next 47 years it would serve the Merced community in a wide variety of ways including concerts, graduations, dance performances, weddings and of course, movies. It was and still is treasured by the people of Merced County. The Tower is the most recognized landmark in Merced. The Theatre was designed by the Reid Brothers , prestigious architects from San Francisco for the Golden State Theatre Corporation, and boasted 1,645 seats with the first air conditioning for any building in the County. The City of Merced had a population of only 7,066 at the time. We believe the Theatre is the last project completed by the Reid Brothers as one of them died 3 months after the opening. The Theatre building includes five retail spaces and ten second-floor apartments on the Main Street frontage. View of Stage and Proscenium What made the Theatre so special was the Theatre's interior. Sitting in the Theatre was a like being in a Spanish castle courtyard with blue skies and even a cloud machine. View of South Wall View of North Wall These photos and a few more are all that remain now as a record of the once incredible interior. It is the intent of the Merced Theatre Foundation to restore the interior to match the original scheme to the degree possible while updating theatrical , lighting and sound systems to a state-of-the-art standard. We will have a brand new theatre that comes with its own 75 year history. View of ceiling under balcony In 2002 the City of Merced Redevelopment Agency purchased the Theatre Building. Since that time the Merced Theatre Foundation has leased the Theatre from the City and is responsible for day to day operations. Theatre Two remains operational with 300 seats and a small stage where movies are shown monthly and other events are held by arrangement.
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