The Belle Mehus Auditorium is a historic landmark that has brought live performances and community gatherings to downtown Bismarck since 1914. Known for its rich architectural character and diverse programming, the Belle continues to honor its past while serving as a vibrant venue for the arts today.
The Belle Mehus Auditorium opened on January 19, 1914, at 201 North 6th Street in Bismarck. Designed by noted North Dakota architect Arthur Van Horn and built for approximately $35,000, the auditorium quickly became a cultural centerpiece for the Bismarck–Mandan community. Its debut performance—Reginald DeKoven’s Robin Hood featuring Metropolitan Opera soprano Bessie Abott—played to a sold-out crowd.
Renowned for its exceptional acoustics, the Belle has hosted an extraordinary roster of performers, including Fritz Kreisler, Isaac Stern, Beverly Sills, Marian Anderson, Emmanuel Ax, and even entertainment icons such as Al Jolson, Will Rogers, and Ethel Barrymore. Political figures, including President Woodrow Wilson and John F. Kennedy, have also taken the stage. In 1931, the building even served as a temporary home for the North Dakota Legislature after the State Capitol fire.
Over the decades, the Belle has been a vital showcase for local talent—from early Community Players productions to performances by today’s Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra, Central Dakota Children’s Choir, Northern Plains Ballet, school concerts, and touring national acts.
After years of decline in the mid-20th century, a community-driven effort saved the building from demolition. In 1996, voters approved a major restoration, with additional support from the “Friends of the Belle.” Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and renamed in 1989 in honor of beloved music teacher Belle Mehus, the auditorium once again stands as one of the region’s most cherished arts venues.
Today, more than 110 years after its opening, the Belle continues to bring the community together through music, theater, dance, and cultural events.
Celebrating our Past, Believing in our Future.
Add a touch of elegance and grace to your special day and say “I Do” to one of Bismarck’s most Historic Buildings. The Belle Mehus offers the perfect backdrop to make your wedding a memorable, unique and one-of-a-kind experience.
Our qualified event coordinators will help you work out the details every step of the way!
