The Apollo Breaks Ground on Largest Restoration, Renovation, and Modernization of its Historic Theater in 90+ Years
Historic Theater Goes on Hiatus Until Summer 2026
Harlem, NY–July 1, 2025 –At a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday June 30, The Apollo and a host of partners, elected officials, and invited guests officially kicked-off the largest full-scale restoration, renovation, and modernization of its iconic Historic Theater, temporarily “dropping the curtain” on a stage that has been the epicenter of Black culture and entertainment for more than three generations. The renovation project is planned to last until summer 2026 and will honor the legacy of The Apollo while enhancing the audience experience with a renovated and expanded lobby with a café and bar for community gatherings and performances, new and restored seating, significant upgrades to backstage areas for artists, a revitalized, globally recognized historic Apollo marquee, and more. Photos and video from the event can be found here.
At the groundbreaking, Michelle Ebanks, President and CEO of The Apollo, was joined by Charles Phillips, Chairman of The Apollo Board of Directors, Patricia M. Zollar, Vice Chairman of The Apollo Board of Directors, Dawanna Williams, Chair of The Apollo Real Estate Committee, Senator Cordell Cleare, New York State Assemblyman Jordan Wright, Deputy Borough President Keisha Sutton-James, Deputy Commissioner Alton Murray, Sirius XM President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein and Billy “Mr Apollo” Mitchell. With over 200 invited guests in attendance, the groundbreaking ceremony also featured performances from Apollo’s Amateur Night artists Mariah Rae and Greginald Spencer.
Additional speakers and performances included Vince Toye, Head of Community Development Banking at J.P. Morgan, David Clower, President of National Trust Community Investment Corporation, Brinda Ganguly, Executive Vice President at New York City Economic Development Corporation and artist Dietrice Bolden. Following the ceremonial curtain drop and remarks, guests recessed to The Apollo’s Stages at the Victoria Theater, the newly opened theaters, gallery space, and offices a few doors down the block on Harlem’s 125th Street, for additional remarks and a reception. Quotes from participants are available here.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Michelle Ebanks said: “Today’s groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new chapter in The Apollo’s journey—a curtain drop in every sense of the word – taking us from a place of reverence to a place of relevance. As we prepare to renovate and reimagine this legacy space, we do so not to erase its history, but to elevate it. To honor the shoulders we stand on, while building a more modernized foundation for those who will come after us.”
Construction on the theater—which first opened in 1914 and was renamed The Apollo in 1934— is taking place in phases until completion in summer 2026. The Apollo will continue performances throughout the process, alternating the use of its new Stages at the Victoria Theater, its Soundstage, and in partnership with other New York City cultural organizations, with the Fall 2025 season to be announced in the coming weeks. The Historic Theater is expected to be dark for approximately 13 months for work on its lobby, doubling its size and opening it up onto 125th Street; a new entryway with a new, interactive digital Wall of Fame, a bar and café, new seats, a new marquee and blade, restored plasterwork, and much more.
Following the 2024 opening of The Apollo Stages at the Victoria Theater, the first expansion in the nonprofit’s 90-year history, the Historic Theater renovation and expansion further enhances The Apollo’s mission to champion artists, shepherd the Black cultural narrative, and provide vibrant, artistic, and community programs that build on the cultural heritage of Harlem.
The Historic Theater Renovation project is led by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects + Planners, in collaboration with consultants Charcoalblue (theater design and acoustic), Flyleaf Creative (signage design), Consigli Construction (contractors) and Envoie Projects LLC (project management).
Renderings for the Historic Theater are available here.
Funding for the Historic Theater Renovation and Restoration project is made possible by Empire State Development Corporation, Harlem Community Development Corporation, J.P. Morgan, National Trust Community Investment Corporation, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, New York City Economic Development Corporation, New York City Neighborhood Capital Corporation, Octagon Finance LLC, Sirius XM Holdings Inc., United Fund Advisors LLC, and Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corp., among other generous donors to The Apollo.
About The Apollo
The Apollo is an American cultural treasure. It is a vibrant non-profit organization rooted in the Harlem community that engages people from around New York, the nation, and the world. Since 1934, The Apollo has celebrated, created, and presented work that centers Black artists and voices from across the African Diaspora. It has also been a catalyst for social and civic advocacy. Today, The Apollo is the largest performing arts institution committed to Black culture and creativity.
The Apollo is a commissioner and presenter; catalyst for new artists, audiences, and creative workforce; and partner in the projection of the African American narrative and its role in the development of American and global culture.
The Apollo envisions a new American canon centered on contributions to the performing arts by artists of the African diaspora, in America and beyond.
