Washington Square West in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Walnut Street Theatre
Celebrating 200 Years
| | 1809 - 2009 | |
The State Theatre of Pennsylvania
Erected by Walnut Street Theatre.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment.
Location. 39° 56.899′ N, 75° 9.324′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Washington Square West. It is on Walnut Street (County Road 3006) just east of South 9th Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 840 Walnut St, Philadelphia PA 19107, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Walnut Street Theatre (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Walnut Street Theatre (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Walnut Street Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); Wills Eye Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); McClellan House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); On this block in 1957 (about 400 feet away); Robert Bogle (about 500 feet away); Musical Fund Hall 1824 (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
this page online
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), April 3, 2025
3. Signage inside the Walnut Street Theatre
Walnut Street Theatre
1809 Theatre opens as The New Circus (equestrian acts). A few years later, an 80-foot dome was added, making it the highest structure in the city at the time. The dome remained until the remodeling of 1828.
1811 As designed by English architect William Strickland, a stage and pit for theatrical performances was added as the name was changed to The Olympic.
1812 The Rivals becomes the first theatrical production staged here.
1820 Name is changed to Walnut Street Theatre, converted to a legitimate theatre.
1822 Interior is restored to that of a circus and the name is changed back to The Olympic.
1828 Major renovations of interior and exterior, designed by John Haviland, the most prominent architect of his day. The present facade is based on his original design. Name changes back to the Walnut.
1837 The Walnut became the first theatre to install gass footlights.
1865 Edwin Booth and John Sleeper Clarke purchase the Walnut and guide it through the Golden Age of American Theatre.
1880's Renovations included a new stage for more elaborate musical comedies.
1892 Walnut gets electricity, used for chandeliers and footlights.
1903 Some rebuilding done, designed by architect Willis Hale.
1920 Interior rebuilt within the old exterior, designed by William H. Lee, using structural steel. Chandelier from the Bingham House Hotel is hung from the center of the dome.
1941 Becomes part of Shubert chain, representing pre-Broadway try-outs and world Premiers, including such classics as A Streetcar Named Desire, Porgy and Bess and A Raisin in the Sun.
1969 Purchased by the Haas Foundation from the Shubert's and is turned over to the new Walnut Street Theatre Corporation. A multi-million dollar "Grand Restoration" is begun, designed by architect F. Bryan Loving.
1971 Walnut re-opens as performing arts center, presenting theatre, opera, dance, music and film.
1983 Walnut Street Theatre Company is formed, a not-for-profit regional producing theatre under the direction of Bernard Harvard, producing five productions each season on the Mainstage.
1984 Walnut Street Theatre School is established. Today, over 1,200 students enroll annually.
1986 The Studio 3 Series is established, producing five productions each season in the intimate third floor studio. Today, this series plays to capacity annually.
Now Today, the Walnut is the most subscribed theatre company in the world.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 178 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 24, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on April 6, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
