Ramsdell Theatre

The Ramsdell Theatre is an opera house in Manistee featuring a Colonial portico with six columns and a horseshoe balcony supported by pillars extending upward to a tin-plated ceiling. The venue hosts theatrical performances, concerts, and film screenings on a regular basis.

A local lawyer named Thomas Jefferson Ramsdell funded the construction of this theatre in 1903 following a fire that destroyed an earlier opera house. The new building rose to become a central place for arts and performances in the town.

The painted dome on the ceiling depicts Venus in her chariot surrounded by cherubs, a work that draws the eye upward. This decorative focus creates an atmosphere where visitors feel the space was designed for celebration and artistic expression.

The theatre is located on Maple Street and offers a variety of events throughout the year. Visitors should check ahead to see what shows are scheduled, as programming changes seasonally.

The front drop curtain displays a painting titled A Grove Near Athens, created by artist Walter Wilcox Burridge. This artwork is a detail that many visitors miss when entering the hall, but it adds to the artistic character of the space.

Location: Manistee

Architects: Solon Spencer Beman

Address: 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI 49660

Website: http://ramsdell-theater.org

GPS coordinates: 44.24585,-86.32382

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:04