EDG officially takes over Chateau in Rochester, MN
EDG officially takes over Chateau Theatre; begins process to create a cultural destination
City of Rochester chose St. Paul company to help revitalize local, regional icon
ROCHESTER, Minn. – August 19, 2019 – The City of Rochester officially transitioned organizational and planning rights of the community’s iconic Chateau Theatre to Exhibits Development Group (EDG) of St. Paul to manage the historic gem and curate arts and cultural activities.
EDG was selected from among several proposals to be the initial manager and operator of the space. EDG intends to assist in the revitalization of this local icon to further establish Rochester as an international destination for medical excellence, cultural refinement, entertainment and educational discovery.
“Chateau Theatre is renowned in this region and it has long been my dream to bring it back to its former glory,” said Amy Noble Seitz, founder and CEO of EDG. “Rochester is known around the world as a Destination Medical Center. This community can and should establish cultural opportunities to engage not only the city’s and region’s local audience, but an international audience as well. Chateau is a key part of the arts ecosystem and we believe it can be the catalyst to build this area as a destination for arts and culture lovers.”
Founded more than 13 years ago, EDG is a woman-owned company that curates, creates and markets international traveling museum, entertainment and robust programming. With a portfolio that includes Pompeii, Downton Abbey, The Beatles, Rubik’s Cube, Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci and Sherlock Holmes, EDG is known across the globe for its innovative approach to bringing arts, education and culture together in exciting and exhilarating mass-market events. The outcome of EDG’s work has resulted in sizable economic and cultural impact on countries, states, cities and venues who host and support such projects.
Born and raised in Blooming Prairie Minnesota, Seitz has a deep love for Chateau Theatre and understands its incredible history and memorable experiences throughout the Rochester community. She and her entire team at EDG are excited to bring Chateau back to its original glory and establish a new, even more vibrant history.
Unlike other like-sized cities in the U.S., Rochester is world-renowned for the ground-breaking and life-saving medical breakthroughs at Mayo Clinic. With an international audience coming to Rochester each year, the community will now have a cultural center that will showcase the best in local, regional, national and international art and exhibition experiences. EDG has already begun to hold listening sessions in the community, reaching out to local arts organizations to host events at Chateau.
“The city of Rochester was brilliant in securing the Chateau. We are planning to bring international touring exhibits to this community, but even more importantly, we will tap into the regional and local arts culture. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Mathematics (STEAM) programs will be offered local and neighboring school districts to prepare the region’s next generation of innovators and problem solvers. We also want Chateau to be a regional gathering space with a café, retail shop and more,” Seitz said.
Across Rochester and throughout the region, Chateau Theatre rekindles fond memories from individuals who saw their first movie or play or event. Its location in the heart of downtown Rochester makes it the perfect venue to establish an arts and culture hub. The goal is to use Chateau year-round, eventually connecting with Mayo Clinic’s deep historical and arts history as well.
