There’s almost too many good things to say about the Grand Cinema in Tacoma. At its core function, it stands for art with a hyper focus on cinema in the best way. It’s a nonprofit, providing a pathway to pop culture while keeping its doors and programming open to local and international film enthusiast, supporters, directors, and film industry professionals. All of that speaks to and sticks to the heritage that began at the Grand Cinema, once the Grand Theatre, in 1997. Two years prior in 1995 the cinema was closed after being freshly built, but was saved and turned into a nonprofit by to Tacoman film enthusiasts. Since then it’s functioned well, and only continues to stay head of the curve culturally while doing its civic duty, provide entertainment and service, at a high-level.
The decor of The Grand fits both its name and location. It’s a gorgeous brick building, it has an old town charm, vintage carpeting in the concessions and four cozy theaters. The concessions are a reflection of Tacoma as well featuring beer from local breweries, fresh popcorn served by a volunteer only staff and your standard moviegoers candies and soft drinks.
The individual theaters can be rented out. There’s also a private auditorium that can be rented out for parties and events private or public. It’s a part of The Grand Cinema that is utilized often during the Tacoma International Film Fest (TIFF), the film fest is a great time to be in Tacoma because so many different countries are represented, so many inspiring films are shown and a plethora of highlighted local talents are discovered. Hosting TIFF and organizing The Grand Cinema is one of Tacoma’s more relevant soft powers and an amazing networking event for all those involved. On top of that, The Grand Cinema actively engages with new ideas brought to the board straight from the community and you can clearly see the effects. They have the awards, accolades and community support to prove it.
The Grand Cinema
606 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402
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