Harleston Village in Charleston in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Riviera Theatre

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 23, 2011

1. Riviera Theatre Marker

Inscription. The Riviera Theatre was constructed in 1939 by Albert Sottile, President of Pastime Amusement Company. The Art Deco architecture is in the Egyptian style. It served the Charleston community as a motion theatre until 1978. The theatre is situated on the site of the Academy of Music which opened in 1869 and was one of America's best known theatres. It was noted for the perfection of its acoustics. At the Academy of Music appeared such famous artists as Theodore Thomas' Orchestra, Maurice Barrymore, The Grau Opera Company, John Drew, The Booths, Joseph Jefferson, Mrs. Fiske, Lillian Russell, Otis Skinner, Irving & Terry, Weber & Fields, Bernhardt, Schumann-Heinck, Maude Adams, Paderewski, and other world-renowned performers in all the range of professional entertainment.

Erected 1997.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the Art Deco series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1939.

Location. 32° 46.837′ N, 79° 56.002′ W. Marker is in Charleston, South Carolina, in Charleston County. It is in Harleston Village. Marker is at the intersection of Market

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Street and King Street, on the left when traveling east on Market Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Charleston SC 29403, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church (about 500 feet away); Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim (about 600 feet away); Site of the First Public Lending Library in the American Colonies (about 600 feet away); City Market (about 600 feet away); Charleston City Market (about 600 feet away); Market Hall and Sheds (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Charleston.

Regarding Riviera Theatre. Renovated as Conference Center: 1997

Additional commentary.
1. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places,
the Riviera is a sublime example of the romantic Art Deco style.

This stunning theatre was the home of first run pictures, on its fifty foot screen, until 1977. The theater was leased to a church group in 1979 and, by the mid-80's, threatened with demolition.
The Friends of the Riviera protected the theater and it was eventually sold to the Charleston Place

Riviera Theatre Marker, seen along Market Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 23, 2011

2. Riviera Theatre Marker, seen along Market Street

Hotel (which is located next door).
The hotel restored the entire theater, but removed the seats in order to create a conference center and ballroom.

— Submitted February 2, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.

Riviera Theatre Marker, corner of Market and King Streets image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 23, 2011

3. Riviera Theatre Marker, corner of Market and King Streets

Riviera Theatre, Market Street side entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, January 23, 2011

4. Riviera Theatre, Market Street side entrance

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,122 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 2, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.