National Theater (Richmond, Virginia)

The National Theater is a historic theater in Richmond, Virginia. Part of a city block along the 700 block of Broad Street once known as Theatre Row, it is the only surviving auditorium of the row (the others now exist in facade only).

The National
Address708 E Broad St
LocationRichmond, Virginia
OwnerAEG Live
OperatorAEG Live
TypeTheater
Capacity1,500
Construction
Opened1923
Renovated2009
Website
www.thenationalva.com
National Theater
Postcard view of "Theatrical District, Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia", c. 1923
Location700-710 E. Broad St., Richmond, Virginia
Coordinates37°32′30″N 77°26′9″W
Arealess than one acre
ArchitectClaude K. Howell; Ferruccio Legnaioli
Architectural styleRenaissance Revival
NRHP reference No.03000188 [1]
VLR No.127-0178
Significant dates
Added to NRHPApril 02, 2003
Designated VLRDecember 4, 2002[2]

The National Theater was built in 1923, originally staging both live entertainment (such as vaudeville shows) as well as motion-pictures.[3] In 1968, it was converted into a dedicated cinema, which closed on September 5, 1983.[3]

Restored and reopened in 2008 by RIC Capital Ventures, the theater, operating as The National, is used as a performing arts and music venue.[4] In 2014, the venue was acquired by AEG Live.[5][6]

It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 and is located in the Grace Street Commercial Historic District.[1]

References

  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. "Virginia Landmarks Register". Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 19 March 2013.
  3. "National Theater Final Nomination" (PDF). Virginia Department of Historic Resources. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
  4. "Official website". The National. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
  5. Schwartz, Michael (2014-10-06). "The National's owners bow out". Richmond BizSense. Retrieved 2015-04-05.
  6. Baldwin, Brent (2014-10-08). "A Concert Powerhouse". Style Weekly. Retrieved 2015-04-05.


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