About

GET TO KNOW POP’S

Pop’s is a locally owned and operated arthouse theater showing old favorites and new independent films including international and award winning titles. Pop’s is a single screen theater with 90 seats, and even includes a few couches! Pop’s serves popcorn, candy, and drinks, and has a small shop for DVDs, VHS, and film related items for you to browse. The theater also hosts private screenings and special events such as panel discussions, live cast performances, and live music, as well as curated series and repertory screenings.

CONTACT US

Located at 619 6th Ave NW, Rochester, MN

contact@popsarttheater.com

763-489-8365

Join our mailing list here.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

The building is open 30mins before each screening, with theater seating typically opens 15mins before the show. Our single screen has 90 seats; a low ticket warning will appear with the showtime if less than 10 tickets remain.

Each screening has only 10mins of trailers, so don’t be late!

Tickets are available online or at the door for $10.00 plus tax (Cash, cards, and Apple pay accepted) Special events are subject to different pricing.

FOOD & DRINK

Buying concessions is the best way to support the theater! Please leave your personal food and drink at home.

We sell popcorn that is vegan and butter free, but trust us—no butter is better! A selection of seasonings are also available. We sell boxes of candy, and drinks like soda, water, kombucha, and other beverages. We do not serve alcohol nor coffee drinks.

ACCESSIBILITY

Our facilities are wheelchair accessible, including restrooms. We recommend parking on the street closest to our front door, however there is a designated handicap parking spot in the rear lot.

All foreign language films are presented with English sub-titles. We offer select Open Capture showings when requested. We do not currently have assistive devices.

PARKING

Our Parking Lot is located in the rear of the building, on the NW side of the building. Enter from 7th St or thru the 6th Ave alley, do not block or park in the alley. You may also use street parking in front of the theater!

The Route 11 bus stops right in front of Pop’s on weekdays, and the Route 26 bus on the weekends.

Rental Inquiries

We offer private and public rentals for birthday parties, events, private viewins, presentations, and more! Please reach out to us at contact@popsarttheater.com with a specific date in mind and if your event will be public or private.

Our Story & People

When the former Gray Duck Theater was set to close in 2023, Maggie Panetta and Nate Nelson saw an opportunity to keep something special alive and grow a film scene in Rochester, MN. Already the owners of Treedome — a record store, vintage shop, and all-ages music venue — they stepped in with the same DIY community spirit that has shaped everything they do. Named after Nate’s late father, Matthew Nelson, Pop’s Art Theater is a place to discover films you won’t find at the multiplex, revisit beloved classics, hear filmmakers share their stories, and experience movies the way they were meant to be seen in an intimate way. Nate, a filmmaker by training, brings his education, experience, and lifelong love of cinema to Pop’s thoughtfully curated programming, while Maggie’s background in graphic design, branding, and public art helps shape the theater’s pop art identity and operations. They hope Pop’s is a welcoming home for film lovers, community members, and anyone looking to share a memorable night at the movies.

Everyone here at Pop’s are movie lovers and advocates for arts and culture in our community in unique ways. Get to know the team and ask about a film or our other work next time you’re in!

Nate Nelson

Programmer (he/him)
Nate is our co-owner and curates all of our films at Pop’s and record selections at Treedome. Nate is a talented filmmaker in his own right having made over 200 music videos and live sessions including for Durry, Charlie Parr, & Night Moves. (bynatenelson.com). He is our encyclopedia of film, collector of all things physical media, and an area music advocate.

Fav Films: Oldboy, El Topo, Akira, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Space Jam

Rich Gill

Programmer (he/him)
Having worked in record shops and theaters his whole life, Rich works on all aspects of Pop’s programming and Treedome’s record collection. Rich is the Program Director of the Sound Unseen Film + Music Festival (@soundunseen), co-hosts a podcast about sexual assault in the music industry called enough., (@enough.podcast) and is also a co-founder of the Rochester Recordings archive project (@rochesterrecordings)

Favorite Films: Boyz N The Hood, Less Than Zero, Kids, Rocky, Caddyshack

Maggie Panetta

Operations & Marketing (she/her)
Maggie is a muralist & graphic designer, an event manager for the Historic Chateau, and co-owner of Pop’s and Treedome. You can see her work all over town (@maggie_designss) at countless events, and in the Pop’s brand. Her murals and other work can be seen here (www.magsdesigns.com). She is a local figure skating coach and food lover.

Favorite Films: Boyhood, I Tonya, Fantastic Mr. Fox, When Harry Met Sally

Corrie Strommen

Front of House (she/her)
Formerly a communications manager for non-profits and local businesses we love, Corrie now works at Bleed Heart Floral Farm and as a freelance photographer (@corriestrommen) alongside her time welcoming guests to Pop’s. She is an avid runner, hiker and reader.

Fav Films: Frances Ha, The Novice, The Royal Tenenbaums, No Country for Old Men, Pulp Fiction

Zoe Allen-Wickler

Front of House (they/them)
Zoë is an animator and storyteller who previously worked with Mikros Animation in Montréal, Canada, as a 3D Fix Artist / Technical Animator on Thelma the Unicorn (2024, feature film for Netflix). They also enjoy travel, ttrpg, and exploring both science and science fiction.

Favorite Films: James and the Giant Peach, Chicken Run, Nimona, Blade Runner, Nope