The Apollo's full-scale revitalization designs for its Historic Theater revealed!

We are excited to share the design for the first full-scale restoration, renovation, and modernization of The Apollo Theater. The historic Apollo Theater received approval from The Landmarks Preservation Commission of NYC and will begin a full interior renovation and lobby expansion next year. Charcoalblue, working with Flyleaf Creative and Beyer Blinder Belle, have led the interior and experience design of the Apollo’s new lobby. Our design evokes the classical architecture of the original lobby from 1913, while giving voice to the Apollo’s contemporary identity as a major source of American culture and especially as a beacon for the Black community. We couldn’t be prouder of the legacy this project will leave.

The project honors the legacy of The Apollo while enhancing the audience experience with a renovated and expanded lobby, 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. The historic “Wall of Fame” that celebrates the artists who have played The Apollo will be digitized and enhanced with The Apollo’s extensive archives, creating an engaging, interactive experience for visitors. The irreplaceable signature wall, which houses decades of artist signatures from when they performed, will also be preserved.

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. An international, national, state, and city landmark, The Apollo has long served as a cultural cornerstone in the community attracting visitors from around New York and across the globe to Harlem, generating economic activity and adding to Manhattan’s wealth of world-class artistic offerings.