Donna Reed Performing Arts Center & Museum - Denison, IA - History Museums on Waymarking.com

The Donna Reed Performing Arts Center is located on the corner of Broadway and Main Street in downtown Denison. It contains the Donna Reed Theatre, Donna Reed Museum, and Reiney’s Soda Fountain.

The building dates back to 1914 when it was built as an opera house known as the Deutsche Operhaus Gessellschaft von Denison. It was later remodeled into the Ritz Movie theater but fell into disrepair by the late 1980’s. In 1988 Donna Reed’s widower, Grover Asmus, donated some of the funds to restore the building and local citizens raised the rest of the money. The Donna Reed Performing Arts Center became a reality after volunteers contributed thousands of hours to the restoration.

Museum displays include movie mementoes from Donna Reed’s career, photos and personal items of the actress. A 1907 soda fountain was also purchased to replace the one that originally sat in this same spot. A miniature replica of Bedford Falls from “It’s a Wonderful Life” is on exhibit as well.

Tours are available by arrangement. A small garden plot in front of the center hosts an entertainment star with Donna Reed’s name on it.

Theme: Cultural history Street Address: 1305 Broadway - Denison, Iowa - 51442 Gift Shop: yes Hours of Operation: By arrangement, 712.263.3334 Cost: 0.00 (listed in local currency) Museum Size: Small Relevant Web Site: [Web Link] Food Court: Not Listed

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