history
Since opening its doors in 1914 and introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, The Apollo has played a major role in the emergence of jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, and soul — all quintessentially American music genres. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., James Brown, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and countless others began their road to stardom on the Apollo stage. Today, The Apollo is a respected nonprofit presenting concerts, theatrical and dance performances, film screenings, educational programs, and community outreach programs.
The neoclassical theater known today as The Apollo’s Historic Theater was designed by George Keister and first owned by Sidney Cohen. In 1914, Benjamin Hurtig and Harry Seamon obtained a thirty-year lease on the newly constructed theater, calling it Hurtig and Seamon’s New Burlesque Theater. Like many American theaters during this time, African-Americans were not allowed to attend as patrons or to perform.
In 1933, Fiorello La Guardia, who would later become New York City’s Mayor, began a campaign against burlesque, and Hurtig & Seamon’s was one of many theaters that would close down. Cohen reopened the building as the 125th Street Apollo Theatre in 1934 with his partner, Morris Sussman, serving as manager. Cohen and Sussman changed the format of the shows from burlesque to variety revues and redirected their marketing attention to the growing African-American community in Harlem.
Frank Schiffman and Leo Brecher took over The Apollo in 1935. The Schiffman and Brecher families would operate the Theater until the late 1970s. The Apollo reopened briefly in 1978 under new management then closed again in November 1979. In 1981, it was purchased by Percy Sutton, a prominent lawyer, politician, media and technology executive, and a group of private investors. Under Sutton’s ownership, the Theater was equipped with a recording and television studio.
In 1983, The Apollo received state and city landmark status and in 1992, Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc., was established as a private, nonprofit organization to manage, fund, and oversee programming for The Apollo Theater. Today, The Apollo, which functions under the guidance of a Board of Directors, presents concerts, performing arts, education and community outreach programs. In 2024, The Apollo expanded its physical footprint, becoming the operator and manager for the cultural space located a few doors down within The Victoria Theater Redevelopment Project. The Apollo Stages at The Victoria provides vibrant, year-round artistic, educational, and community programs that build on the cultural heritage of Harlem and celebrate the enormous well of creativity found in our neighborhood.
Read MoreThe neoclassical theater known today as The Apollo’s Historic Theater was designed by George Keister and first owned by Sidney Cohen. In 1914, Benjamin Hurtig and Harry Seamon obtained a thirty-year lease on the newly constructed theater, calling it Hurtig and Seamon’s New Burlesque Theater. Like many American theaters during this time, African-Americans were not allowed to attend as patrons or to perform.
In 1933, Fiorello La Guardia, who would later become New York City’s Mayor, began a campaign against burlesque, and Hurtig & Seamon’s was one of many theaters that would close down. Cohen reopened the building as the 125th Street Apollo Theatre in 1934 with his partner, Morris Sussman, serving as manager. Cohen and Sussman changed the format of the shows from burlesque to variety revues and redirected their marketing attention to the growing African-American community in Harlem.
Frank Schiffman and Leo Brecher took over The Apollo in 1935. The Schiffman and Brecher families would operate the Theater until the late 1970s. The Apollo reopened briefly in 1978 under new management then closed again in November 1979. In 1981, it was purchased by Percy Sutton, a prominent lawyer, politician, media and technology executive, and a group of private investors. Under Sutton’s ownership, the Theater was equipped with a recording and television studio.
In 1983, The Apollo received state and city landmark status and in 1992, Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc., was established as a private, nonprofit organization to manage, fund, and oversee programming for The Apollo Theater. Today, The Apollo, which functions under the guidance of a Board of Directors, presents concerts, performing arts, education and community outreach programs. In 2024, The Apollo expanded its physical footprint, becoming the operator and manager for the cultural space located a few doors down within The Victoria Theater Redevelopment Project. The Apollo Stages at The Victoria provides vibrant, year-round artistic, educational, and community programs that build on the cultural heritage of Harlem and celebrate the enormous well of creativity found in our neighborhood.
A HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE
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Apollo Historic Tours
Take a tour of The Apollo and explore its legendary history. Tours are 60–75 minutes in length and offer guests exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the place “Where Stars are Born and Legends are Made!"
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Historic highlights
WALK of Fame
Located under The Apollo’s famous marquee, The Apollo Walk of Fame celebrates and honors the legendary performers who have helped to expand its legacy. The Walk of Fame is a visual representation and a permanent testament to The Apollo’s significant impact in the development of Black music and continued influence on American popular culture into the 21st century.One of New York’s most visited tourist destinations, the Walk of Fame features bronze plaques with the names of Apollo Legends who have performed on the iconic stage and shaped the American musical landscape. Take a scroll through The Apollo’s Walk of Fame!
Upcoming Events
TODAY
Tuesday 12, March 2024
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