Royale Theater (now Bernard B. Jacobs Theater) – Exterior and Interior

STATUS Designated Exterior and Interior Landmark

242-250 West 45th Street

ARCHITECT: Herbert J. Krapp

DATE: 1926-27

STYLE: Modern Spanish, Theater

Manhattan Midtown West Modern Spanish Theater

This theater was part of an unusual multi-use project including a hotel and three theaters of varying size, of which the 1200-seat Royale was intended to be a musical comedy theater. Its facade is a fine example of the romantic “Modern Spanish” style with which Herbert Krapp adorned the Chanins’ later theaters. Its significant architectural features include a five-arch arcade, a parapet adorned with a stylized pediment, and classically-inspired terra-cotta trim.

The interior of the theater is a fine example of the romantic “Modern Spanish,”  and it includes an unusual groin-vault ceiling, and murals by artist Willy Pogany entitled “Lovers of Spain,” continuing the “Spanish” motif of the theatrical complex.

STATUS Designated Exterior and Interior Landmark

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