How long is the tour?

The experience runs roughly 1.5 hours and includes both interior and exterior stops.

Is the tour family-friendly?

Yes—this walking tour is suitable for curious teens and adults; group size is limited to about 25 people for accessibility and safety.

Is the theater wheelchair accessible?

Accessibility information is not provided in the listing; because this is a historic building with stairs and narrow spaces, contact the booking page or operator for specifics before booking.

Can I take photos inside the theater?

Photography is welcomed; bring gear suited to low light and be mindful of fragile finishes and other visitors.

How do I book or check cancellation policies?

Reserve your spot through the referral booking link on the listing—cancellation and refund policies are shown on the booking page.

Inside Hollywood Theater: Art Deco Restoration Tour in Minneapolis | Walking Tour | Theater

Q: Where is the meeting point?

The tour meets on the west sidewalk along the Northeast Market Garden across the street from 2815 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418.

Step inside one of Minneapolis’s most intact Art Deco movie houses on the Hollywood Theater Walking Tour, a guided look at a 1935 cinema that has sat dark since 1987. Located at 2815 Johnson St NE in Northeast Minneapolis, this 90-minute tour explores the theater’s coordinated interior palette, original detailing, and the challenges of turning a single-purpose auditorium into a modern community venue. Designed by Liebenberg and Kaplan and opened in 1935, the Hollywood Theater operated as a neighborhood movie house until it closed in 1987. Its compact footprint, lack of windows, and auditorium geometry make reuse difficult—problems that preservationists and designers often face on Main Streets across America. Between 2018 and 2023, a phased rehabilitation was developed to stabilize the exterior and reimagine the auditorium as a multi-purpose event space. The project team worked to introduce sensitive interventions that retain historic fabric while meeting contemporary codes. The tour is led by preservation experts; among them Quentin Collette, PhD, a Director at New History who contributed to the building’s rehabilitation strategy. Expect close readings of the proscenium, plaster ornament, original color scheme, and metalwork—features rarely accessible to the public. Guides explain the technical retrofit choices: seismic bracing, HVAC strategies that preserve finish materials, and reversible interventions that allow for future repair. For architecture fans, the Hollywood is an unusually intact example of regional Art Deco detailing in a neighborhood context rather than a grand downtown palace. Practical details matter: the tour meets on the west sidewalk along the Northeast Market Garden across the street from 2815 Johnson St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418; groups are limited to about 25 people and the walk-through lasts roughly 1.5 hours. The experience is largely indoors but includes exterior stops to study the marquee, façade stabilization, and streetscape relationships. Why book this trip? It’s rare to get a focused, technical look at a single building’s rehabilitation—this walk stitches together architectural history, conservation methods, and community-led redevelopment. It’s a must for photographers chasing period interiors, students of preservation, and travelers who prefer urban exploration to conventional sightseeing. Whether you’re a local curious about Northeast Minneapolis or a visitor mapping the city’s built heritage, this tour illuminates how an aging theater can be both a conservation challenge and a catalyst for neighborhood renewal. Before you go, wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera—lighting in the auditorium favors low-light shots, and details like original painted signage, tile work, and the lobby’s plaster moldings reward slow inspection. Restrooms and café options nearby are limited, so plan to arrive with water and time to stroll Johnson Street’s storefronts afterward. Reserve in advance through the booking page to secure one of the limited 25 spots. Tours run year-round when scheduled locally.

About Preserve Minneapolis

Preserve Minneapolis is a nonprofit-focused organization based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, dedicated to documenting and sharing the city’s architectural and social history.

Through guided walking tours and community receptions, Preserve Minneapolis showcases neighborhood stories, historic buildings, and the people who shaped them.

Tours include focused experiences such as the Healy Block Residential Historic District Walking Tour, highlighting Queen Anne houses and Theron Potter Healy’s legacy; the Bryn Mawr Walking Tour, exploring bungalow-era streetscapes west of downtown; and the Minneapolis Railroad History Walking Tour, tracing the first rail line established in 1862 and its role in the mill district. Additional offerings include a tour of African American history along East 38th Street, the Sunnyside Addition streetcar suburb exploration, and an Exclusive Donor Reception that brings supporters together.

Each tour is led by local historians and experts who use archival research, visible architectural features, and neighborhood context to explain historic significance and preservation challenges. Preserve Minneapolis emphasizes fact-based storytelling, site-specific interpretation, and community engagement. Information presented on tours draws from documented sources, historic records, and surviving built fabric.

Preserve Minneapolis partners with community members and preservation professionals to identify priorities, promote awareness, and encourage stewardship of historic resources. Audiences range from architecture enthusiasts to neighborhood residents and visitors seeking an informed understanding of Minneapolis history. The organization’s public programming and donor events support ongoing research, education, and local preservation initiatives. Programs are scheduled seasonally and announced publicly; tickets and donor details are available through Preserve Minneapolis communications and partner listings for interested supporters.