In 1911, Wealthy Theatre, located on 1130 Wealthy Street in Grand Rapids, was constructed. The theatre was originally used for traveling vaudeville and live theater acts, but later became the community’s movie house. Wealthy Theatre even served as a materials warehouse for the Michigan Aircraft Company during World War I, so the building is not only important to the history of Grand Rapids, but also played a crucial role in the state’s past.

After being closed for more than 25 years, the Wealthy Theatre Complex was reopened in 1998 and renovated in 2007, after fundraising benefits were held for the historic site. In total, the community fundraiser raised 2.4 million dollars over a three year span.

The theatre was restored to its early-1900s glory, complete with elegant seating, ornate decorative elements , and beautiful bannisters. Despite its vintage charm, the Wealthy Theatre is completely outfitted with the latest in movie technology. The theatre’s sound board and lighting board, for example, are completely digital, and the screen and velvet curtain are operated with the simple press of a button. The Wealthy Theatre also acts as a concert hall for local bands when it is not being used to show films.

Every Tuesday night, Meanwhile Bar hosts a Meanwhile Movie at the Wealthy Theatre Complex. The bar – one of Grand Rapids’ most popular nightlife spots – has shown several cult classics in collaboration with the Wealthy Theatre Complex. On December 10, the pair will be playing “The Goonies,” and, on December 17, they are showing “Gremlins.”

Members of the Community Media Center can order drinks at the Wealthy Theatre’s bar. This fully-stocked beverage spot offers wine, mixed drinks, and locally brewed Michigan beers.

To buy tickets to an upcoming Meanwhile Movie event, the Wealthy Theatre has an online box office located at http://www.grcmc.org/index.php?page=theatre&s=tickets. All of the ticket prices are listed at the online box office. To purchase tickets on the Internet, you need to have an e-mail address and create a username and password for the website. The Wealthy Theatre also accepts ticket orders over the phone. And, if you prefer to buy in-person, you can purchase tickets before the start of each show.