Grandel Theatre

The Grandel Theatre started life in 1884 as the First Congregational Church. Architect Lewis Frederick Rice designed the church in the elegant Romanesque Revival Style. Through the first part of the 20th century, the church passed through the hands of several congregations before closing its doors.

In 1989, Grand Center, Inc. purchased the property and embarked on a $3.5 million conversion of the church into 470-seat theater. With the help of several foundations and individual donors, the Grandel Theatre opened its doors in 1992 and today serves as the home for the award-winning The Black Rep as well as St. Louis Shakespeare and has hosted several national acts, such as “Late Night Catechism” and “Triple Espresso.”

A grant from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1990 enabled GCI to commission artist James Turrell to design the Tilted Plane green space on the east side of the theater.

The Grandel Theatre is owned and operated by Grand Center, Inc. When not being used by The Black Rep or St. Louis Shakespeare, the theater is available for rent. For more information email here, or call 314-289-1523.

The Grand Hall, on the second floor of the building, is also available for rent and is an ideal space for wedding receptions, private parties or corporate events. For more information about renting the Grand Hall, contact Michael Brightman at With Love Catering at michael@withlovecatering.com or by calling 314-397-2060.