The future of the Fitzgerald Theater

Oct 24, 2018

For more than 50 years, we have focused on how Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) can better serve our growing audiences and our communities. One of the ways we do that is by convening people for events, important conversations and live performances. In 1980, MPR bought The World Theater, and what we now affectionately call “the Fitz” has been part of our rich history and a distinctive space for gathering and serving our audiences.

Several years ago, we commissioned a Historic Structures Report for the Fitzgerald Theater and we asked ourselves, “What’s best for this amazing facility, the community, and how can we best serve our audiences throughout Minnesota?” As we carefully considered our stewardship of this historic facility, the changing needs of our community, and our vision for serving more people, we decided it was best to look for a new potential owner and caretaker of this beloved theater.  Today we are announcing that MPR and First Avenue have entered into an agreement for First Avenue to purchase the Fitzgerald Theater from us.  

We were excited to find that First Avenue leaders share our vision to serve many more people. We trust that First Avenue – an organization with deep roots in this community – will continue to expand the events and performances at the Fitz, while responsibly maintaining the historic facility itself. We’ve been partners with First Avenue many times and know that the Fitz will be in good hands.

MPR will continue to use the Fitz for plenty of events, and this change in ownership gives us opportunities to expand our reach across Minnesota with more flexibility in making events and performances happen in new venues.

We are incredibly grateful for the people who have made the Fitz a home for creative storytelling, concerts, debates, live radio and so much great music over the past four decades.

This is a big step, and I believe it is the best for our Members, our audiences here and across the state, our communities, the Fitz, for First Avenue, and for MPR’s future.

We’re grateful for the trust you place in us and for your continued support of MPR.

Thank you.

Jon McTaggart, President and CEO, Minnesota Public Radio