The State Theater: A Daily Delight in Downtown Ann Arbor
Walking into the State Theater feels like stepping into a slice of Ann Arbor's daily charm. Amidst the bustle of city life, this neon-lit treasure provides a cozy retreat for those who crave a dose of daily cinema magic.
Whether I'm dropping by for a midweek matinee or joining friends for a Friday night feature, the State Theater consistently delivers a quality experience. It's where I unwind, laugh, and lose myself in stories from around the globe. The selection of films is thoughtful and refreshing, often offering titles that stir conversation and inspiration long after the credits roll.
The staff here are local movie buffs who add to the theater's homey vibe with their friendly banter and spot-on recommendations. The snack bar, with its offerings of classic popcorn and artisanal treats, is a delightful cherry on top of the already splendid movie-going experience.
Sitting in the auditorium, with the soft glow of the screen lighting up faces around me, there's a sense of shared anticipation that's rare to find elsewhere. The State Theater isn't just a building; it's a central part of our daily lives, infusing an ordinary day with the extraordinary wonder of film.
For those of us who call Ann Arbor home, the State Theater is our go-to spot—not just for special occasions, but for the simple, everyday joys of watching a story unfold on the big screen. It’s a five-star experience woven into the fabric of...
Read moreI've never had a bad experience at The State Theatre, before or after the renovation. I tend to favor the anime films and cult classics showings, I love the midnight showings they offer. If you participate in their membership program, you can buy alcohol with your popcorn and snacks!
The seating is comfortable, there's usually plenty of space for everyone to be comfortable, even with the most popular films. I prefer going to The State Theatre because it's a movie experience you can't get anymore, really. It almost feels timely since luxury movie going has become a trend, but I feel like I enjoy my movies the most here. You still get the big screen and great audio quality, but it feels more intimate and cozy which I adore.
I swear their popcorn is the best, they'll ACTUALLY put EXTRA butter on for you! That really matters! Their staff members are friendly, helpful, and pretty cool people once you start...
Read moreMost famous movie theater in Ann Harbour, built in 1942 being designed by C. Howard Crane (1885-1952, that among many other architecture projects built the LeVeque Tower in Columbus, OH) in the Art Deco style.
The State was designed as a movie theater, with a small stage and no dressing rooms. The Butterfield circuit continued to use the nearby Michigan for live shows, with both theaters showing first-run movies.
It was reformed for a bigger screen (13m from the original 5m) in 1953, and had its balcony and main floor were each divided into two theaters in 1979, decreasing the total capacity by 200 seats.
After and era of declining business, it was reformed and restored in 2007 with a major renovation began in 2017 that restored it to the original appearance, which divided the space into four fully accessible theaters, featuring improved sight lines and contemporary projection and...
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