Photo Coverage: The Historic Kings Theatre Re-Opens in Flatbush, Brooklyn

Civic and community leaders marked the reopening of the historic Kings Theatre following an extensive $95 million restoration and renovation of the former movie palace and architectural gem. Originally constructed in 1929 and the largest theatre in Brooklyn with more than 3,000 seats, the Kings Theatre will serve as a fixture in the City's cultural landscape, presenting a wide spectrum of programming from local, national and international performing artists. An economic engine for the Flatbush neighborhood and the only major resource for live entertainment in the immediate area, the Theatre will present more than 200 performances annually.

The Kings Theatre opened in the Flatbush neighborhood as one of the five Loew's 'Wonder Theatres' constructed in New York and New Jersey. It was designed by architecture firm Rapp & Rapp as an entertainment palace where films and vaudeville acts were presented amidst sumptuous interiors inspired by the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opera House. The Theatre closed its doors to the public in 1977 and was acquired by the City of New York in 1983, which subsequently performed critical structural repairs. In 2008, NYCEDC launched a competitive search for an entity to undertake a major restoration and renovation to restore the Theatre as an economic engine and cultural hub. In April 2012, the Kings Theatre Redevelopment Company-a consortium of ACE Theatrical Group, the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group, and the National Development Council-was chosen to lead this effort and provide Brooklyn with a newly revitalized performing arts venue, which broke ground in January 2013.

Led by Martinez+Johnson Architecture, with Gilbane Building Company serving as construction manager, the revitalization of the structure faithfully restores the Theatre's original splendor while transforming it into a modern multi-purpose performance facility. Before falling into disrepair, the Kings Theatre featured high curved ceilings, ornate plaster walls, gold-leaf ornament, crystal chandeliers, carpeted floors, plush furniture, and salon-type lounge areas. Rich wood paneling and pink marble accented the Theatre's massive lobby and foyer, and the front of the building featured a glazed terra-cotta ornamental façade. These original, signature elements have been restored whenever possible, and faithfully recreated when damage to the original was too great. The project also included a significant expansion to the backstage area, with an additional 10,000 square feet constructed to accommodate the technical requirements of live performance.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride

Theatre Marquee for Kings Theatre Re-Opening in Flatbush, Brookly

Diana Ross Marquee

Guests arriving in the lobby

Theatre Interior

Theatre Interior

Theatre Interior

Theatre Interior

Theatre Interior

Theatre Interior

Theatre Interior

Theatre Interior

Theatre Interior

Theatre Interior

Theatre Interior