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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Theaters and music

The Civic Theatre

Established in 1906 and designed by Sam Stone, the Civic Theatre is New Orleans' oldest theatre, now a 1,200-seat venue blending historic beauty with modular modern technology.

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The Civic Theatre
civicnola.com, og_image_civicnola.com

What is The Civic Theatre known for?

The Civic Theatre is New Orleans' oldest theatre, originally designed by Sam Stone in 1906. It is known as a premier destination for live recording, including comedy specials that have aired on Netflix, Comedy Central, and Seeso.

Where is it located?

The theatre is located at 510 O'Keefe Avenue (or St.), New Orleans, LA 70113, in the heart of downtown.

What kind of events are held there?

The venue is used for concerts, plays, films, corporate events, private parties, and live recordings.

How big is the venue?

The Civic Theatre is a 1,200-seat venue with a concert and special events space exceeding 15,000 square feet.

What are some unique features of the theatre?

The theatre features a pioneering design and sound, as well as an adaptable modular flooring system that can be raised or lowered.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Civic Theatre stands as a cornerstone of New Orleans' cultural history. Originally built in 1906 and designed by architect Sam Stone, it is recognized as the oldest theatre in the city. This historic venue spans over 15,000 square feet and provides a breathtaking backdrop for a wide array of events, including plays, concerts, films, and private parties. After years of service, the theatre underwent a massive $10 million renovation, leading to its official reopening for performances in September 2013. This restoration focused on merging classic aesthetics with pioneering sound and design. A key feature of this update is the installation of an adaptable modular flooring system that can be raised or lowered to suit different performance needs. Today, the 1,200-seat venue has established itself as a premier destination for live recording. Its technological innovation has attracted major productions, with comedy specials filmed on-site airing on global platforms such as Netflix, Comedy Central, and NBC’s streaming service Seeso. Located at 510 O'Keefe Avenue, the theatre continues to serve as a versatile space for corporate events and artistic showcases, maintaining its status as an exquisitely renovated landmark in the heart of downtown New Orleans.

Visitor tips

  • Check the event schedule via Live Nation or AXS before visiting to see if a show is playing.
  • Admire the facade on O'Keefe Avenue to appreciate the 1906 Sam Stone design.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the theatre is located in the heart of the downtown district.

Nearby context

The Civic Theatre is situated at 510 O'Keefe Avenue in downtown New Orleans, placing it within a high-energy district known for live entertainment and historic venues.

Sources

Evidence and links