Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre, a historic 1,900-seat venue located in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, opened on April 8, 1927. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Originally built by Southern Enterprises, Inc. and designed by architects R.E. Hall and Roy A. Benjamin, the theatre was the largest in Florida at the time. The Florida Theatre Performing Arts Center, Inc., a nonprofit corporation founded in 1987, manages and preserves the theatre in partnership with the City of Jacksonville. The theatre's mission is to enhance the quality of life in North Florida through diverse arts and entertainment experiences while preserving the historic landmark. Over the years, it has hosted a variety of performances, including notable appearances by Elvis Presley in 1956, and has been a venue for significant cultural and civic events. After periods of decline, the theatre was restored in the early 1980s, reopening in 1983 as a performing arts center. Renowned for its Mediterranean Revival architecture, the theatre features elaborate interiors designed by Michel Angelo Studios. It remains a vital cultural hub, attracting millions of visitors and hosting a wide range of performances from local and national artists. The Florida Theatre continues to be a symbol of hope and progress in Jacksonville.