Albert Lea Art Center
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The Albert Lea Art Center is located in Albert Lea, Minnesota. The Albert Lea Art Center, Bessessen Historic Opera House Building, was built in 1916, by Van Kirk and Cederburg, St. Paul architects. It was built to showcase the talents of internationally acclaimed opera prima donna Beatrice Bessessen. It has since been adapted for usage as a motion picture theatre, a mini-mall, and most recently as the Albert Lea Art Center. The façade is French Renaissance. The upper interiors possess both Arts and Crafts style and Art Nouveau elements. Historical aspects of the first level have been compromised. It is currently in need of major restoration. The "Restore the Building Foundation" has been created for that purpose.