National Theatre DC Verified listing

The National Theatre, located at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., stands as one of the nation's most historic performing arts venues. Established in 1835, it is the second-oldest continuously operating theater in the United States, following Philadelphia's Walnut Street Theatre. Despite its name, the National Theatre operates as a private, non-profit organization, not a government-funded entity. Over nearly two centuries, it has hosted a myriad of significant events, including President James K. Polk's inaugural ball and performances by renowned artists like Jenny Lind. Notably, on the night of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination, he was originally scheduled to attend a performance at the National Theatre.

Throughout its history, the National Theatre has demonstrated resilience, surviving multiple fires and undergoing several renovations. A significant remodel in 1948, led by architects John and Drew Eberson, transformed it into a movie theater, though it returned to live performances in 1952. A comprehensive restoration in 1982 revitalized its interior, preserving its historic charm while updating its facilities citeturn0search1. Today, the theater boasts a seating capacity of 1,676 and continues to be a premier venue for live stage productions in the heart of downtown D.C.

In recent years, the National Theatre has maintained its status as a cultural hub by hosting national tours of Broadway favourites, pre-Broadway premieres, concerts, and special events. The 2024/2025 season features a diverse lineup, including the D.C. premiere of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," as well as productions like "Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations" and "Kimberly Akimbo" citeturn0search18. In 2024, the D.C. Council approved a plan to purchase and renovate the theater, allocating up to $11 million for the project, aiming to revitalize downtown Washington, D.C., and establish a vibrant theater district akin to London's West End.