Harlem's historic Apollo Theater is getting a full-scale restoration, renovation, and modernization that will take the venue on hiatus through summer 2026. The theatre, first opened in 1914 and named the Apollo since 1934, is one of the country's cultural centers, and has been the preeminent epicenter of Black culture and entertainment for more than three decades.
The most dramatic plans for the space include a renovated and expanded lobby, which will get a café and bar suitable for community gatherings and performances. Within the actual theatre, new and restored seating is set to be installed, with upgrades to backstage areas planned as well. The venue will also revitalize its historic marquee.
The venue will present performances throughout the hiatus via its new Stages at the Victoria Theater and its soundstage. Programming is to be announced.
The plans were celebrated at a June 30 groundbreaking.
“Today’s groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new chapter in The Apollo’s journey—a curtain drop in every sense of the word – taking us from a place of reverence to a place of relevance," said Apollo President and CEO Michelle Ebanks at the event. "As we prepare to renovate and reimagine this legacy space, we do so not to erase its history, but to elevate it. To honor the shoulders we stand on, while building a more modernized foundation for those who will come after us.”
Also in attendance were Charles Phillips, chairman of The Apollo Board of Directors; Patricia M. Zollar, vice chairman of The Apollo Board of Directors; Dawanna Williams, chair of The Apollo Real Estate Committee; Senator Cordell Cleare; New York State Assemblyman Jordan Wright; Deputy Borough President Keisha Sutton-James; Deputy Commissioner Alton Murray; Sirius XM President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein; and Billy “Mr Apollo” Mitchell. The ceremony also featured performances from Apollo’s Amateur Night artists Mariah Rae and Greginald Spencer, with additional speakers and performances including Vince Toye, head of community development banking at J.P. Morgan; David Clower, president of National Trust Community Investment Corporation; Brinda Ganguly, executive vice president at New York City Economic Development Corporation; and artist Dietrice Bolden.
The renovation is being led by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects + Planners, in collaboration with consultants Charcoalblue (theatre design and acoustics), Flyleaf Creative (signage design), Consigli Construction (contractors), Envoie Projects LLC (project management), and Cline Bettridge Bernstein Lighting Design (lighting consultant).
Visit ApolloTheater.org.
