The Attucks Theatre
Arts & Culture · Norfolk, VA
About
The Attucks Theatre is open during regular museum hours and makes a thoughtful midday stop on a Norfolk arts crawl. It stands as the oldest surviving theatre in the nation that was entirely financed, designed, built, and run by African Americans. Originally opened in 1919, it screened films and hosted vaudeville and plays for a quarter. After closing as a theater in 1955, it was preserved as a landmark honoring that legacy.
Today the venue functions as both a museum and a small performance space, with exhibits on its history and occasional events. The Church Street location places it near the Chrysler Museum of Art , so you can easily combine visits. Check ahead for show schedules since programming is seasonal. The theater's intimate scale means good sightlines from any seat.
Features
- ✓1919 opening with 25 cent admission
- ✓Museum exhibits on African American theater history
- ✓Occasional live performances in restored space
Practical
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Attucks Theatre LGBTQ+-owned or focused? +
The venue is a historic landmark welcoming all audiences; it's listed as mixed gay-straight and not explicitly LGBTQ+-owned.
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