The Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia is the oldest continuously operating theatre in the United States – and is regarded as the oldest continuously operating theatre in the English-speaking world. Founded in 1809, the house has, over its more than two-hundred-year history, seen presidents such as Thomas Jefferson in the audience and witnessed countless stars of the stage. The landmark building – a National Historic Landmark – today houses a large mainstage seating around 1,050 as well as smaller studio stages, and is the official "State Theatre of Pennsylvania". With a mix of popular musicals, comedies and drama, the Walnut ranks among the most heavily subscribed theatres in the world, combining lively entertainment with a unique historical heritage.
The house opened in 1809 as a circus and only began staging plays in 1812.
At a glance
- Type
- Theatre
- Location
- Philadelphia, USA
- Address
- 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
More venues in Philadelphia
- Academy of Music · Opera house, Philadelphia
- Academy of Vocal Arts · Opera house, Philadelphia
- Kimmel Center · Concert hall, Philadelphia
- The Mann Center for the Performing Arts · Concert hall, Philadelphia
- The Met Philadelphia · Opera house, Philadelphia
More venues in USA
- Al Hirschfeld Theatre · Musical theatre, New York
- Anchorage Opera · Opera house, Anchorage
- Annapolis Opera · Opera house, Annapolis
- Arizona Opera · Opera house, Phoenix
- Austin Opera · Opera house, Austin