The U.S. Is Teeming With Abandoned Theaters

The United States may be young compared to other countries in the world, but it does not mean there are no remains from the ancestors before us. From sinister ghost towns to glamorous 1920s chateaus, American history is full of varying cultural skeletons and remnants telling the stories of civilians that differed from decade to decade. One common type of abandoned building that has been left behind in various cities is that of old theatres. As television and other digital forms of entertainment grew in popularity, the live performances that kept classic theatres running began to decline in popularity. Eventually, many of these theatres closed their doors, leaving these once-loved buildings dark and vacant.

These now decaying properties have tales of ghost stories, an air of old celebrity presence and vacant seats that were once filled with smiling faces. Today, many theatre fans have taken an interest in these abandoned cultural spaces, and many have been restored. Historic theatres have become popular spaces to host events, perform musicals and other performance arts, and overall enrich the cultural life of the towns in which they were built. However, many of these buildings remain abandoned as well. Discover a few of these historic properties and memorable stories about them below.

Kings Theatre, Brooklyn, New York

Although this theatre has been restored, it was abandoned from 1977 until 2015. This luxurious space was left dark in its splendor, supposedly inhabited by left-behind spirits who are rumored to be wandering the halls. Unlike other abandoned properties in the United States, Kings Theatre did not need much reconstruction done. Instead, it just needed a team to come in, dust off its spider webs, give it a glossy makeover and prepare it for its grand reopening. Theatre fanatics everywhere were rejoicing when this theatre reopened to the public and finally ended its prolonged intermission to start its second act, despite the spooky ghost stories surrounding it.

Franklin Park Theatre, Boston, Massachusetts

Boston may not have as large a theatre scene as New York City, but it was still home to one of the most anticipated theatres to hit the stage. The Franklin Park Theatre opened in 1914 and drew in such a large crowd that police were called to patrol the scene for crowd control. From showcasing musical performances to theatrical productions, the theatre lasted for many decades as a community staple before becoming home to a church in the 60s. In 2009, however, a devastating fire brought mayhem to the property, leaving the once-glorious theatre with charred remains. While this theatre hasn’t had the chance to be restored, its historical impact is still fondly remembered.

Uptown Theatre, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Opened shortly before the 1929 stock market crash, Philadelphia’s Uptown Theatre was a breath of fresh air during tumultuous times. Even with some devastating financial losses, the theatre was a beacon of hope. It later hosted live music performances, even welcoming famous musical troupes such as the Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, and other notable performers. What once housed the biggest musical acts of history has now declined so far that it is an abandoned and slightly damaged piece of architecture. Perhaps it will one day be restored to its former glory by more theatre fans eager to revive the historical space.

Are there historic theatres in your area? Do some research! You may learn some unique local history. If you have the opportunity to visit a restored theatre, it is a great way to support local performing artists and appreciate the history of entertainment. While it may be sad that so many of these formerly beloved buildings have been left to decay, classic theatre fans have ensured that some of these relics continue to be maintained and loved today, bringing art and laughter to cities across the country just as they did decades ago in their prime.