The Apollo Theater has temporarily closed its doors to undergo a $65 million, yearlong renovation.
According to reports, the marquee outside the theater will be dimmed while the renovations are taking place. The historic theater originally opened in 1914 and was rebranded in 1934. It became a staple of Black culture and launched the careers of many singers, including Lauryn Hill, Ella Fitzgerald, and more.
The renovation will receive an upgraded LED marquee, an expanded lobby, modern AV systems, and new seating. The historic signature wall will be preserved during the makeover. “It is the first large-scale renovation of the historic theater in our 91-year history,” Apollo’s chief growth officer, Joy Profet, said in an interview.
Apollo held its final in-house show last Wednesday for the grand finale of “Amateur Night at the Apollo.” With the main stage closed during the renovation process, all performances will be rerouted to the Apollo Stages at the Victoria on 125th Street. The building has two smaller theaters as part of Apollo’s expansion plan.
The renovations are set to wrap up in 2026 with the goal to make the theater feel “more open and community-connected.” It will also have a café and street-facing windows in the expanded lobby. The Wall of Fame will also be digital.