 The limestone exterior of the Grand Theater | |
 Interactive map of Grand Theater | |
| Address | 401 North 4th Street Wausau, Wisconsin United States |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 44°57′36″N89°37′41″W / 44.9599194°N 89.6280775°W /44.9599194; -89.6280775 |
| Type | Performing arts center |
| Opened | 1927 |
| Website | |
| www | |
TheGrand Theater is a historictheater andperforming arts center inWausau, Wisconsin, offering a variety of musical and artistic performances.[1]
The Grand Theater traces its origins back to theGrand Opera House, which was originally built on the same location in 1899.[2] The 890-seatopera house was a popular venue for musical and theatrical acts. Theblock where it stood has been considered an "arts block" ever since. When the opera house was demolished in the spring of 1927, construction began on the current Grand Theater, amovie palace built in the classic revival architectural style. Today, the Grand Theater stands as a regional performing arts center for the Wausau area, and the greater region ofcentral Wisconsin.
In 1987, a $2.2 million project was undertaken to restore the theater back to its original glory. The technical systems were updated, allowing for the sound and lights required by touring shows.[3] Since that time the Performing Arts Foundation has managed the Grand Theater and has brought a wide variety of entertainment acts to the stage.
In 2002 the community once again stepped up to expand the walls of the Grand Theater to becomeArtsblock. The $13.2 million project rededicated the facility to the glory of performance[4] and energized not just the city of Wausau, but also the entire region.
The originalTheatre Organ remains in the building, and is used for concerts, and to accompanysilent films. The organ was built by theKilgen Organ Company, and is one of only two Kilgen theatre organs to remain installed in its original theater.
Today, the Grand Theater is a regional destination for the performing arts, and maintains its opulent historicarchitecture. The theater contains classic examples ofColonnades, marble statues and the original solidBedford limestone facade.[5]
