The Shubert Theater, a 1910 historic structure in downtown Minneapolis being renovated as a dance venue, will be renamed in honor of Katherine and Robert Goodale. They were early contributors to the project spearheaded by Artspace, a Minneapolis developer. Katherine Goodale is a former dancer, and Robert Goodale is a retired surgeon from the University of Minnesota.
At a gala last summer, Artspace announced that the Minnesota Shubert Performing Arts and Education Center would be renamed for John and Sage Cowles, longtime arts patrons. The Cowles Center encompasses the adjacent Hennepin Center for the Arts, an atrium and the newly named Goodale Theater.
The theater itself, which was moved to its location on Hennepin Avenue nearly 13 years ago, is being refurbished now as a 500-seat auditorium to be used primarily for dance. It is slated to open Sept. 9. The Goodales were among the first and most substantial private donors. Katherine Goodale has been a longtime presence in the dance community.
The Cowles Center includes an education program, rehearsal spaces and administrative offices for arts organizations. Performances will be in the Goodale Theater.
Artspace embarked on the project more than a decade ago. The project, which will ultimately cost $46 million, has raised $42 million to date. The largest contribution was $12 million from the state of Minnesota. The remainder came from private sources.
