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List of former theatres in Boston facts for kids

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Boston has a long and exciting history, especially when it comes to entertainment! Many years ago, before huge movie theaters and streaming services, people went to special buildings called theatres to watch all sorts of shows. These weren't just for plays; they hosted everything from live music concerts and funny comedy acts (called vaudeville) to interesting lectures and even early movies.

Some of these old theatre buildings are still standing today, but most have been torn down to make way for new buildings. This article will tell you about some of Boston's cool former theatres and what made them special!

What Were These Theatres Like?

Boston's old theatres were busy places. They weren't just for one type of show. Imagine a building where you could see a serious play one night, a funny vaudeville show the next, and then a concert or a lecture!

Many also served as "dime museums." These were like early museums mixed with entertainment. For just a dime, you could see strange exhibits, animals, and short performances. Later, some of these theatres became places to watch the very first motion pictures, which were silent films.

Famous Old Theatres in Boston

Boston had many famous theatres, each with its own story. Let's look at a few that were important or had interesting features.

Austin and Stone's Dime Museum

This theatre opened in 1883 on Tremont Row. It was a "dime museum," which means it offered a mix of entertainment and curious exhibits for a small price. People could see unusual items and enjoy short performances, making it a popular spot for families.

Barnum's Aquarial Gardens

Opened in 1862 on Washington Street, this place was connected to the famous showman P.T. Barnum. It was known for its "aquarial gardens," which were like early aquariums, showing off sea creatures. It also featured other performances, combining education with entertainment.

Bijou Theatre

The Bijou Theatre, located on Washington Street, had a long life, opening in 1882 and closing in 1943. It was originally called the Gaiety Theatre before changing its name. Over its many years, it hosted a variety of shows, from live performances to movies.

BijouTheatre Boston
The Bijou Theatre in Boston.

Boston Museum

The Boston Museum was a very important theatre that opened in 1841 on Tremont Street. It was more than just a theatre; it was also a museum with art and historical items. It was a major cultural spot in Boston for over 60 years, closing in 1903.

Boston Museum 1851
The Boston Museum in 1851.

Boston Theatre

Opened in 1854 on Washington Street, the Boston Theatre was one of the city's grandest and most important venues. It was a large and beautiful building that hosted many famous plays and performers. It closed in 1925 after many years of entertaining Bostonians.

BostonTheatre BalPict
Inside the Boston Theatre.

Castle Square Theatre

The Castle Square Theatre, which opened in 1894 on Tremont Street, was known for its unique approach to theatre. It focused on presenting plays at affordable prices, making live performances available to more people. It closed in 1932.

CastleSquare Theatre Boston Massachusetts postcard
A postcard showing the Castle Square Theatre.

Concert Hall

One of Boston's oldest entertainment spots was the Concert Hall on Hanover Street, which opened way back in 1752! It was a place for music and other public gatherings for over a century, closing in 1869.

Donnelly Theatre

The Donnelly Theatre, located on Massachusetts Avenue, opened in 1922. It was originally known as the Back Bay Theatre. This theatre was a popular spot for movies and live shows for many decades, closing in 1968.

Howard Athenaeum

The Howard Athenaeum, which opened in 1845 on Howard Street, was a very famous and long-lasting theatre. It was known for its variety shows, including vaudeville, and was a major entertainment hub in Boston for over a century, closing in 1953.

1852 HowardAtheneum Boston McIntyre map detail
A map detail showing the Howard Athenaeum in 1852.

Tremont Theatre

Boston had several theatres named Tremont Theatre over the years. The first one opened in 1827 on Tremont Street. These theatres were important venues for plays and other performances, showing how popular live entertainment was in Boston.

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List of former theatres in Boston Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.