The show’s on pause, but the legacy is getting a serious glow-up. Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theater officially closed its doors on July 1 for a $65 million, yearlong renovation—the most ambitious in its 91-year history. The lights on the famous marquee may be dimmed, but the vision for the future is anything but.
Opened in 1914 and rebranded in 1934, the Apollo became a cornerstone of Black American culture, launching the careers of artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Lauryn Hill. Now, the 1,500-seat landmark is undergoing a comprehensive facelift, featuring a restored façade, upgraded LED marquee, expanded lobby, new seating and modern AV systems. Crucially, historic elements, such as the performer-signed “signature wall,” will be preserved.
“It is the first large‑scale renovation of the historic theater in our 91‑year history,” Joy Profet, the Apollo’s chief growth officer, told NY1. While work on the lobby began earlier this year, “July 1 is really the full-scale.”…