Welcome to Empire Arts Center, Grand Forks’ beloved hub for live theatre, art and community. Housed in a restored historic venue that has graced the city under several names — from New Grand Theatre to Empire Theatre — the building now operates as Empire Arts Center, featuring a main theatre (Empire Auditorium) with great seats seats, the versatile black-box Studio E, and engaging gallery spaces. Whether you’re here for a storied performance, a creative workshop, or a gallery exhibit, we’ve got you covered with reliable details to help you secure your seats with ease.

Below you’ll find practical information on seating basics, parking options, transit accessibility, and nearby hotel and dining recommendations. This page is designed to be a straightforward resource so you can focus on the show and the experience.

Empire Arts Center is more than a theatre. It’s a cultural anchor for Grand Forks, hosting Empire Theatre Company productions such as Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast, and A Christmas Story, along with UND Art Collections exhibits and program series like The Nut Lab and Empire Theatre Company workshops. For the best experience, check show times, plan your visit, and secure your tickets with our easy, no-fuss process. If you need accessibility seating, our box office can assist on request. And if you’re staying in town, there are solid nearby hotel options to pair with a great night out.

Stay connected with official artist and venue resources: follow Empire Arts Center on social media and visit their official site for event calendars and updates.

Good to know

Seating, Parking & Venue Information

Address: 415 DeMers Avenue, Grand Forks, ND 58201.
Venue type: Restored historic theatre (Empire Auditorium) plus a black-box studio (Studio E) and gallery space.
Main theatre capacity: 422 seats.
Seating chart: No public, detailed seating chart published; box office can confirm seat locations; accessible seating noted on site.
Parking: Corporate Center parking ramp behind the building (entrances on S4th & S5th); free on weekends and after 5 pm on weekdays; Passport Parking app required for weekday parking.
Transit: Cities Area Transit (CAT) operates fixed-route buses in Grand Forks with a downtown transit center; paratransit available.
Nearby hotels: Staybridge Suites Grand Forks (1175 42nd St S), La Quinta Inn & Suites Grand Forks (4051 Garden View Dr), Hampton Inn & Suites Grand Forks (2985 42nd St S).
Notable events: Empire Theatre Company productions (e.g., Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast, A Christmas Story), UND Art Collections exhibits, and programs like The Nut Lab and Empire Theatre Company workshops.
History/renaming: The building has historic names (New Grand Theatre, Grand Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Empire Theatre) and is now Empire Arts Center; it is not demolished.