The Apollo Theater Marks a New Chapter with the Relighting of its Iconic Marquee
Last night (Wednesday,June 10), The Apollo relit its iconic marquee and blade, thefirst public milestone in the institution’s relaunch, restoration andmodernization of its theater. In tandem with the celebratory relighting along 125thStreet in Harlem, The Apollo posthumously inducted Kiki Shepard, thebeloved longtime co-host of Showtime at the Apollo, into its Walk ofFame in honor of her enduring role in bringing The Apollo to millions of peoplearound the globe.
First illuminated in 1934, TheApollo’s marquee has long stood as a global symbol of the institution’sembodiment of Harlem, Black artistic excellence, and American culturalinnovation. The relighting ushers in a new chapter for the future-facingcultural institution, expanding what is possible for artists, audiences, andthe broader Harlem community. With enhanced infrastructure and greaterflexibility, The Apollo will launch new artistic initiatives, support moreinterdisciplinary and technologically ambitious work, deepen communityengagement, and create new platforms for the next generation of Black creativevoices.
The relighting, hosted by actress Bevy Smith, began with a musical procession by the NYC-based drumline and dance group Marching Cobras which lead attendees down 125th Street, followed by remarks from Apollo Vicechair of the Board Pat Zollar, Apollo Board Real Estate Chair Dawanna Williams and Apollo President and CEO Michelle Ebanks. Musica performances by longtime Amateur Night host Greginald Spencer and an original spoken word performance by Amateur Night Child Star alumni Mariah Rae preceded the countdown to the relighting of the iconic marquee. Also in attendance were local government officials and councilmembers Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, New York State Senator Cordell Cleare, Assemblymember Jordan Wright, and New York City Council Member Yusef Salaam.
“Tonight's relighting is more thanthe return of a familiar sign. It marks the return of one of the most iconicsymbols of Harlem and one of the most recognizable cultural landmarks in the worldand is a visible symbol of progress and an important milestone on the road toreopening The Apollo’s historic theater in Spring 2027. The Apollo has always servedas a space where artists and audiences could gather, create, and thrive, andthe marquee has long symbolized that hope and possibility for so many,” saidApollo President and CEO Michelle Ebanks. “This marquee belongs to Harlem.It belongs to everyone who has found inspiration, opportunity, and communitythrough this institution.”
“The marquee's relighting marks aturning point for The Apollo and the beginning of an exciting new chapter,”said Dawanna Williams, Apollo Board Real Estate Chair. “Black culture isnot separate from American culture—it is one of its defining forces, and TheApollo has long been one of its most important stages. This restoration is anact of care and stewardship, ensuring that The Apollo continues to evolve fortoday's and tomorrow's expectations while preserving the history that definesthis institution. With enhanced infrastructure and greater physical andprogrammatic flexibility, The Apollo will be able to support new artisticinitiatives, deepen community engagement, and create opportunities for futuregenerations of creative voices. As we look toward reopening, we are investingnot only in a historic building, but in the future of arts and entertainmentand in The Apollo's ability to serve artists and audiences in Harlem, acrossthe country, and around the world.”
Preceding the relighting was the posthumous induction of Kiki Shepard into The Apollo’s Walk of Fame, with remarks by Apollo Historian BillyMitchell, sister Von Gretchen McAlpin, family members and leaders of her KIS Foundation, as well as artists and longtime friends of Shepard’s including Babe Evans, Board Member of the KIS Foundation, Starletta Simmons, President and Founder of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County, Dr. Carolyn Rowley, Founder and Executive Director of Cayenne Wellness Center, Carol Maillard, George Falson, actress and comedian Luenell, actress Dawnn Lewis, and actress and comedian Sherri Shepherd. The reception featured a special performance from Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock.
“KiKi Shepard’s induction into The Apollo Walk of Fame is a fitting tribute to someone whose work helped bring the spirit of this institution to audiences far beyond Harlem,” said Pat Zollar, Vice Chairperson of The Apollo Board. “It feels especially fitting that we honored one of the people who helped carry The Apollo’s story to millions while also relighting the marquee, an enduring symbol of The Apollo’s legacy and its future. Together, these moments celebrate the artists, audiences, and cultural contributions that have defined this institution for generations. As we invest in the future of The Apollo, we remain committed to preserving what makes it extraordinary while ensuring it continues to serve artists, audiences, and communities for generations to come.”
The renovation officially kicked offin 2025, and marks the largest restoration, renovation, and modernizationeffort in The Apollo’s history. Construction on the theater—which first openedin 1914 and became The Apollo in 1934—is taking place in phases, withreopening anticipated beginning in late 2026 and a public opening in spring2027.
“The Apollo’s iconic marquee is an enduring symbol of Black history, inclusivity and creativity, and this milestone is more than just a moment — it’s a celebration of this historic theater’s next act,” said Laura Bush, Regional Director — NYC Metro &NJ/PA at Consigli Construction Co., Inc. “Consigli is honored to lead The Apollo’s first full-scale renovation and deliver the modernizations required to help light a bright new future for the Harlem community.”
Project Partners:
The project is being led by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects + Planners, in collaboration with consultants Charcoalblue (theater design and acoustic), Flyleaf Creative (signage design), and Consigli Construction(contractors). Additional collaborators include Cline Betteridge Bernstein, lighting design; Gace Consulting Engineers, structural engineer; Higgins Quasebarth& Partners, historic preservation; Production & Performance Facility Consulting, and theater consultants.
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.
