List of former theatres in Boston facts for kids
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!
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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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Images for kids
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An advertisement for the Arlington Theatre from 1920.
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Austin and Stone's Dime Museum around 1900.
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The Bijou Theatre in Boston.
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The Boston Museum in 1851.
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Inside the Boston Theatre.
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A postcard showing the Castle Square Theatre.
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Chickering Hall around the 1900s.
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The Columbia Theatre in 1892.
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The Concert Hall in 1869.
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An advertisement for the Gaiety Theatre from 1920.
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Gordon's Old South Theatre advertisement from 1920.
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The Grand Opera House in 1896.
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A map detail showing the Howard Athenaeum in 1852.
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The St. James Theatre in the 19th century.
