State Theatre of Modesto

The State Theatre is an Art Deco movie palace that opened on Christmas Day, 1934, designed by noted theater architect S. Charles Lee. After decades operating under different names (including a stint as the Spanish-language Cine Mexico in the 1980s), it was acquired by the nonprofit Downtown Arts Project in the early 1990s and restored as a nonprofit performing arts and independent film venue.

The theater screens new releases, classic films, and touring live performances, and its Intermission bar and lounge — added during renovations — serves cocktails, local beer, and light food on its own separate schedule, extending the venue into a full evening destination rather than just a movie stop.

What sets the State apart in Modesto is its role as the last of downtown's historic movie houses still operating in something close to its original form (sister venues like the Strand and Covell theaters were lost to fire or demolition), making it a genuine piece of living local history as well as an active nightlife and entertainment venue.