About Us

Who We Are

The Grand Cinema is the South Sound's nonprofit home for independent, international, and local film.

Our mission: The Grand Cinema enriches lives and enhances the cultural vitality of the Greater Tacoma community through the art of film. As a nonprofit, we are supported by loyal patrons, volunteers, small staff and Board of Directors.

In addition to screening independent, first-run films 365 days per year, The Grand is also the proud host of the Tacoma Film Festival, Tacoma Film Camp, 253 Short Film Party and many other unique film programs and special events.

We love featuring locally made products in theater when ever possible. Find a selection of beers and wines made in Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest, as well as locally baked cookies, and ice cream made in Tacoma using locally sourced ingredients.

our Space

Located in the historic Merlino Arts Center, all four of our theaters are ADA approved and wheel-chair accessible. Hearing assistance devices are available at the ticket counter, and films are shown in open captions every Wednesday for our Deaf and hard of hearing patrons.

Please ask our staff for assistance if you need accommodations while visiting our theaters.

As a community-based organization, we offer our spaces for rental use and to host events. To learn more about hosting a film screening or planning an event in our lower lobby, see rentals.

AWARD WINNING CINEMA

We are proud to present high quality independent films and cinematic experiences to the South Sound and Greater Tacoma Community. See some of the awards and recognition we've received over the years below (awards are listed alphabetically from each granting organization).

RECENT & PAST RECOGNITION

Citizens for a Healthy Bay

2011 - BEST Business for Strong Commitment to Environmental Responsibility

Best of the South Sound

2009 - Best Movie Theater
2013 - Best Movie Theater
2015 - Best Movie Theater
2016 - Best Movie Theater
2017 - Best Movie Theater
2018 - Best Movie Theater

2019 - Best Movie Theater

City Club of Tacoma

2009 - 25 at 25

Evening Magazine and King 5

2009 - Best Indie Theater (Viewers Poll- Best of Western Washington)
2010 - Best Indie Theater (Viewers Poll- Best of Western Washington)
2011 - Best Indie Theater (Viewers Poll- Best of Western Washington)
2012 - Arts and Entertainment/Indie Theater (Viewers Poll- Best of Western Washington)
2014 - Best Indie Theater (Viewers Poll- Best of Western Washington)
2015 - Best Indie Theater (Viewers Poll- Best of Western Washington)

KOMO communities
2011 - Best Movie Theater in Tacoma

Tacoma Weekly
2007 - Best Movie Theater in Tacoma
2009 - Best Movie Theater in Tacoma
2010 - Best Movie Theater in Tacoma

Travel Tacoma

2015 - Tourism Partner

Trip Advisor
2015 - Certificate of Excellence (Ratings by Guests)

Union Station Award
2006 - Recognizing Leadership in Building or Sustaining Revitalization

Weekly Volcano

2010 - Reader's Pick Voted Best Movie Theater
2011 - Reader's Pick Voted Best Movie Theater
2013 - Reader's Pick Voted Best Movie Theater
2014 - Editor's Pick Voted Best for Preserving Films
2014 - Reader's Pick Voted Best Movie Theater