The Rio Grande Theatre in the center of downtown Las Cruces, NM is a historic theatre that has been restored to its former glory. The theatre is a beautiful example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only 2-story adobe theater in operation in the nation.
On July 29, 1926, the Rio Grande Theatre in Las Cruces, New Mexico, officially opened. The Central Theatres Corporation of Denver runs the theater, which was constructed by Seale and Dyne. The first film screened was Rex Ingram’s silent film Mare Nostrum. In October 1929, Fox West Coast Theatres acquired the Rio Grande Theatre. For the opening night, October 20, 1929, the Fox chain set up sound equipment and presented a sound picture. Early in the 1930s, the theater withstood both a fire and an earthquake. It was in business until 1997, when financial difficulties forced its closure. The Dona Ana Arts Council bought the theater, repaired it, and reopened it in 2005. The City of Las Cruces owns the Theatre, which Visit Las Cruces manages and runs.
The theater offers a variety of shows, including classic movie series, Saturday family matinees, and performances by local, regional, and national recording artists and performing artists. The theater currently offers snacks, soft drinks, beer, and wine as concessions and refreshments. The Rio Grande Theatre is a beautiful and unique venue that is definitely worth a visit.
