Originally known as the Schubert Theatre, it was renamed in 1994 to honor F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was born in St. Paul.
The theater is noted for its acoustic quality, which was a primary reason for its long-term selection as the home for national radio variety shows.
The venue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
It features a rare, partially intact original 1910 interior design that survived multiple renovations.
The stage house was expanded in the 1980s to accommodate larger touring productions.
The Fitzgerald Theater is St. Paul's oldest surviving theater, originally constructed in 1910 as the Schubert Theatre. It is famously associated with the live radio broadcast 'A Prairie Home Companion,' which brought the venue national prominence. The theater features a Beaux-Arts interior architecture with detailed plasterwork and ornate balconies. It is currently operated by First Avenue, a prominent Twin Cities independent music promoter. The venue hosts a variety of performances including live music, comedy acts, literary events, and film screenings. The seating capacity is approximately 1,000, creating an intimate environment for performers and audiences. It is located in downtown St. Paul near the Mississippi River. The building underwent significant renovations in the 1980s to preserve its historic character while upgrading stage technology.
The view of the ornate proscenium arch from the center of the main floor.
Arrive early to view the lobby's historic architectural details, which are often crowded just before showtime.
Check the venue's official website for show-specific policies, as they can vary between concert and theatrical performances.
Consider using nearby public parking ramps, as street parking in downtown St. Paul is limited.
Do not mistake the nearby Ordway Center for the Performing Arts for the Fitzgerald Theater.
Operates primarily as an event-based venue; it is only open to the public during scheduled performances.
Business casual to smart casual is standard; silence all electronic devices before entering the auditorium.
