Apollo Theater – Exterior and Interior

STATUS Designated Exterior and Interior Landmark

253 West 125th Street

ARCHITECT: George Keister

DATE: 1913-14

Harlem Manhattan

Designated June 28, 1983

The Apollo Theater was for four decades starting in the 1930s one of New York City’s and the nation’s foremost arenas for leading popular black American performing talent. It retains much of its original character, including its proscenium and flanking boxes and classically-inspired plaster ornament. Its construction reflects the early twentieth century entertainment history of vaudeville and burlesque in Harlem,  in particular the tradition of Harlem theaters which displayed black performers in a variety show format. The Apollo Theater was graced by the presence of nearly all major black American performers at some point in their careers, reflects the migration of blacks to Harlem and represents the cultural contributions of Harlem and black Americans to New York City and the nation.

STATUS Designated Exterior and Interior Landmark

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