Introduction

The Rialto at the Centene Center for Arts and Education continues the grand tradition of “Grand” entertainment on the “Great White Way” at Grand and Olive in Grand Center.

With the building’s completion, over a dozen arts groups recognized a collective dream that has been discussed for many years.  The concept of a central arts center where many small arts institutions could office together and share facilities has been a St. Louis arts goal for over a decade.   With the leadership of the Arts & Education Council, this dream was realized and brought together in one arts center with such tenants as Dance St. Louis, Jazz at the Bistro, and Circus Flora.

The realization of this dream has resulted in the rehabilitation of one of the most beautiful gothic buildings in St. Louis and enhanced the space with the energy and vitalization of a dozen various arts groups. 

The Rialto is proud to be a part of the Centene Center for Arts and Education and share in the creative energy that makes the Center a special place.

One of the City’s newest places for wedding celebrations and special events, the enchanted ballroom, glass atrium and roof top deck can make any event truly memorable. 

History

For decades Grand and Olive was the center of the metropolitan area for most St. Louisians.  Because most of the cable cars and streetcars started and ended at Grand and Olive, many entertainment, religious, office, medical and civic institutions were developed in close proximity.

Grand and Olive was the center of St. Louis’s entertainment district for most of the 20th Century. With the opening of the Princess Theatre in 1912 many other theaters followed including the Rialto, the Shubert, Mid-City, the Empress, St. Louis Theatre (now Powell Hall), the Missouri Theatre and the Fox Theatre. 

Not only were motion pictures and live theater popular in Midtown, from the 1920s through the 1950s, but many motion picture film businesses also prospered.  Motion picture companies that had offices in Midtown included Columbia Pictures, Paramount Films, RKO, 20th Century Fox, Warner Brothers, and Universal Studios.

Many of the social entertainment activities that took place in Midtown occurred at the building now known as the Centene Center for Arts and Education.  The building was originally built in the 1880s as a Ballet Academy for young girls.

Later it was purchased by the Knights of Columbus and expanded to include the Venice style gothic terra cotta building that sits on the front of the site.  Many community projects were undertaken by the Knights of Columbus and many social activities took place in the building including:  weddings, card games, conventions and other business and social gatherings.  Different areas designed into the building included: card rooms, sleepover rooms, secret initiation areas, and a bowling alley in the basement.

Location

The Rialto Ballroom is located at the Centene Center for Arts and Education just east of the intersection of Grand Boulevard and Olive Street.   It is located at 3547 Olive just east of Grand and south of the Fox Theatre.