- Attraction: The Heights Theater
- Location: 3951 Central Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN 55421
- Industry: Movie Theater
- Website: https://heightstheater.com
Every movie lover deserves to experience cinema the way it was meant to be experienced – in a grand theater with soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and the magical sound of a Wurlitzer organ rising from beneath the stage.
The Heights Theater in Columbia Heights delivers exactly that experience, transporting you back to the golden age of moviegoing while screening everything from the latest releases to beloved classics.
Built in 1926 in the stunning Beaux Arts style, this remarkable theater has earned its title as the Twin Cities’ longest continuously operated show house.
Despite surviving three fires, one bombing, and the infamous “Big Blow of 1949” when a Fridley tornado twisted its tower sign, The Heights has emerged more beautiful than ever after its meticulous restoration.
What Makes The Heights Theater Special
The Mighty Wurlitzer Experience: The star of every Friday and Saturday evening show is the theater’s magnificent 1929 Wurlitzer organ that dramatically rises from the orchestra pit before performances.
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Keep Exploring →This isn’t just background music – accomplished organists like Ed Copeland and Harvey Gustafson deliver full concerts featuring everything from classic movie themes to seasonal favorites, complete with sound effects like train whistles, birds, and drums that can fill the entire auditorium.
Stunning Restored Interior: You’ll be amazed by the theater’s original grandeur, featuring antique chandeliers suspended from the ceiling and restored with 2,600 Egyptian lead crystals.
The hand-painted Edison Mazda bulbs create atmospheric lighting effects while the scarlet motorized Grande drape adds theatrical flair to every screening. The original plasterwork and polychromed woodwork transport you directly to the 1920s.
Curated Film Programming: The Heights doesn’t just show any movie – owner Tom Letness carefully selects an eclectic mix of first-run films, art house features, foreign films, and beloved classics.
You might catch a Wes Anderson premiere one week and a 35mm print of “Singin’ in the Rain” the next. The theater regularly hosts special series featuring directors like Alfred Hitchcock or themed collections celebrating everything from drag culture to film noir.
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Discover MoreThe Annual White Christmas Tradition: Every December, the theater’s most popular event transforms the venue into a holiday wonderland.
Before the screening of the 1954 classic, vocalist Maud Hixson performs a 20-minute concert of holiday standards accompanied by Rick Carlson on piano, while the Wurlitzer provides a pre-show concert.
This beloved tradition sells out all performances year after year and has become the way many families kick off their Christmas season.
Silent Film Revival: The Heights is one of the few theaters in the country still presenting silent films with live organ accompaniment, just as they were meant to be seen.
These special screenings, where organists improvise entire musical scores from memory, offer a rare glimpse into moviegoing as it existed nearly a century ago.
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Keep Exploring →Atmosphere & Experience
Intimate Single-Screen Setting: With 400 comfortable padded seats (recently upgraded from the original hard-backed chairs), the theater creates an intimate viewing experience where every seat feels close to the action.
The single auditorium design means you’re sharing the experience with fellow film enthusiasts rather than being lost in a massive multiplex.
Historic Character Throughout: The lobby welcomes you with a grand piano and nostalgic decorations that celebrate the theater’s long history.
Original organ grills are visible high in the front corners of the auditorium, while the restored proscenium stage reminds you that this was once a vaudeville house featuring live performances.
Old-School Moviegoing Charm: You’ll notice details that modern theaters have forgotten – the theatrical presentation with curtains that open and close, the pre-show entertainment, and the sense of occasion that makes each visit feel special rather than routine.
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Discover MoreThe theater’s connection to the neighboring Dairy Queen (owned by the same proprietors) adds to its neighborhood charm.
Other Considerations
Reasonable Pricing: Tickets typically range from $13-16 for regular screenings and $20 for special events with live organ accompaniment, making it an affordable alternative to chain theaters while offering a far more memorable experience.
The theater offers both in-person and online ticketing options.
Parking and Accessibility: The theater provides convenient parking, and its location on Central Avenue makes it easily accessible from Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs.
While the historic building has some limitations, the owners have worked to make improvements while preserving the theater’s authentic character.
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Keep Exploring →Special Events and Series: Beyond regular screenings, The Heights hosts themed film series, benefit concerts, and special presentations that often sell out. The theater’s commitment to film preservation means you might see rare prints or restorations that aren’t available anywhere else.
Best Times to Visit: Weekend evening shows feature the full organ experience, while weekday screenings offer a more intimate atmosphere.
The holiday season brings the most festive programming, but any time of year offers something special for film lovers who appreciate cinema history.
Advanced Planning Recommended: Popular events like the White Christmas shows or special anniversary screenings sell out quickly, so checking the website regularly and booking in advance is wise for must-see events.
The Heights Theater
📍 3951 Central Avenue N.E., Columbia Heights, MN 55421
