The Kalamazoo State

404 S. Burdick Street

Kalamazoo, Michigan 

A large crowd outside the Kalamazoo State Theatre

Circa 1937

1,590 Seating Capacity

Cliff Robertson in PT 109

Circa 1963

Located in downtown Kalamazoo since July 14, 1927, the Spanish courtyard style State Theatre is an historic and captivating theatre that offers a unique experience.  Founded by the Colonel William S. Butterfield Company, the largest theatre operator in Michigan at the time.  This theatre also designed by renowned architect, John Eberson combines architectural grandeur with a rich cultural heritage.  From its early roots in the Vaudeville tradition to its diverse lineup of performances including opera, drama, big bands, ballet, dance reviews, stage shows and movies the State Theatre has been a beloved fixture in the community.

In 1964, the theatre underwent renovations to ensure its continued operation.  While some of the original ornate features were modified, the renovations enable the theatre to adapt to changing times. However, in 1982, the State Theatre faced closure.  This pivotal moment mobilized the community, leading to the formation of the "Save the State" committee and campaign.  Together, local art groups and city officials joined forces to preserve the theatre's legacy and historic building.  In 1985, the Hinman Company purchased the building and initiated further renovations, solidifying the theatre's place in Kalamazoo's history.  The State was built to accommodate both live performances and motion picture including a Barton theatre organ.  The State is the last of numerous Kalamazoo theatres to remain from the early 20th century. 

The State is home to its original Barton theatre organ which accompanied silent pictures from 1927-1937.  The introduction of "talkies" ended the use of the organ until 1950, but by 1961 it was fully restored and put back into service.  The organ is still used for special presentations, but its present condition is noted by the American Theatre Organ Society (ATSO) as "in need of restoration".  Theatre organs were a unique combination of multiple instruments and sound effects.  These intriguing machines greatly varied in size and complexity ranging from two manuals and six ranks to four or five manuals and more than fifty or sixty ranks.  Silent films always had a musical accompaniment.  In  the large picture palaces such as those in Chicago and Detroit, they would typically hae a live orchestra.  The smaller palaces such as the Kalamazoo State Theatre would have had a chamber group or pipe organ.  This was a great improvement from the small town and second run houses which would typically only offer a piano player. 

Today, the Kalamazoo State Theatre stands as a testament to its vibrant past and enduring significance. The Kalamazoo State Theatre is part of the League of Historic American Theatres (LHAT), an organization that champions the restoration, preservation and ongoing operations of North America's treasured theatres.

The State was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places November 17, 2021.  The NRHP is the United States federal government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures and objects deemed worthy of preservation for their historic significance. The theatre was also named as one of seven winners of the 2022 Governor's Awards for Historic Preservation.

The State Theatre has been a beloved fixture in Kalamazoo for nearly 100 years and is one of the few theatres of it kind in Michigan.  The new designation from the National Registry of Historic Places makes the case for the significance of the theatre's past and also its future as a source of entertainment for theatre lovers, history buffs and tourists for years to come."

Governor Gretchen Whitmer