About Granada

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A Palace of Entertainments

The historic Granada Theatre was constructed in 1929. A Classic from the 1920’s The 1400-seat capacity made it one of the larger movie palaces in Kansas. It was dedicated on October 3rd, 1929, with an opening speech by the “Sage of Emporia”, William Allen White.

During the early years, the Granada attracted many famous performers and, in addition to screening movies, it was used for everything from beauty contests to traveling vaudeville acts.

Designed by the Boller Brothers of Kansas City, the theatre’s exterior was designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, popular during the late 1920’s. The stucco-front façade features intricate terra cotta details, including five clowns which provide a theatrical touch.

Like many grand old movie palaces of its era, the Granada’s popularity waned during the 60’s and 70’s and it fell to closure in 1982. In April, 1985, the theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

However, the historic status proved no guarantee of immunity from time and ‘progress’. When demolition threatened the building in 1994, a group of citizens rallied to save the Granada.

The results of this heroic effort by common people to save an object of beauty and historic (and personal) significance is presented in this site

Main Street Artist’s Walk

Ooh’s and Aah’s were the first reaction to the ticket booth lobby. As part of Artist Walk on Saturday, April 22, Laurie Brown was meticulously painting the ceiling of the ticket booth lobby. A Closer look The ceiling has been primed, painted with pearlescent paint and green paint. Laurie is now painting the gold portion of the ceiling. She has done a sample area with the gold leaf. She will be adding it to the appropriate areas on the entire ceiling in the future. Laurie started working as a volunteer scraping paint in the ticket booth lobby and is now working part-time doing the painting. She feels like she has a special connection to this lobby and to the Granada. Just ask her…….!

Artist Walk was a busy day at the Granada. We want to thank Community Theatre of Emporia for presenting hourly performances in front of the Granada. The Sweet Granada hosted Dan Dishman. He created a beautiful chalk drawing on the sidewalk in front of The Sweet Granada. The Granada Coffee Company hosted Alan Tollakson. He was carving an initial in stone. He also had an area set up to let people try their hand at stone carving. Thanks to all the artists and hosts.

Granada @ February 9, 2008