Local

Updates on Tacoma’s independent movie theaters and their local history

Stories by Tacoma News Tribune journalists, with AI summarization

This collection of articles shows how donations and community support are changing Tacoma's independent movie theaters.

The Grand Cinema secured funds to purchase the Merlino Arts Center, ensuring its operation for years to come. Meanwhile, the 100-year-old Blue Mouse Theatre upgraded its seating and other facilities.

NO. 1: TACOMA’S FAVORITE INDIE MOVIE THEATER NEEDS $5 MILLION TO BUY A BUILDING. HERE’S WHY | OPINION

It’s an easy position to appreciate, bolstered by a growing body of evidence illustrating the stakes for beloved small theaters, | A Matt Driscoll column | Published September 7, 2023 | Read Full Story by Matt Driscoll

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NO. 2: 100 YEARS OF FLICKS. STATE’S LONGEST RUNNING MOVIE THEATER IS IN THE HEART OF TACOMA

A weekend of celebrations begins Nov. 10. | Published November 7, 2023 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor

Musicians from Symphony Tacoma play in the balcony of the Museum of Glass Hot Shop. By Beth Buelow

NO. 3: NEARLY $600K IN ARTS FUNDING HEADED TO PIERCE COUNTY. IS YOUR FAVORITE GROUP ON LIST?

A full list and the amount each organization received are in this story. | Published May 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Craig Sailor

Seats are removed and renovations are made to the Blue Mouse Theatre to make the theater ADA-friendly and increase comfort, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Tacoma, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 4: HISTORIC THEATER IN TACOMA’S NORTH END MAKING SOME BIG CHANGES. HAVE A LOOK

Upgrades to improve seating as well as offer more flexibility with multipurpose use in mind. | Published April 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

The Merlino Art Center, 604 Fawcett to 508 Sixth Ave., is home to businesses including The Grand Cinema, Corina Bakery and Tacoma City Ballet. The site recently was acquired by Grand Cinema Holdings.

NO. 5: ‘WE SAVED THE GRAND!’ TACOMA MOVIE THEATER ENTITY CELEBRATES LATEST ACHIEVEMENT

Its managing board faced a deadline to raise funding for acquisition. | Published July 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Debbie Cockrell

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.