What is the National Black Theatre known for?

It is a Harlem performing arts institution and nonprofit community theatre born out of the civil rights movement. It focuses on producing transformational, dialogue-generative theatre and catalytic experiences that uplift African American cultural identity.

Is the theatre currently open for visits?

The National Black Theatre is currently closed for renovations. During this time, it is presenting programming at various venues citywide.

Who founded the National Black Theatre and when?

It was founded in 1968 by actress, director, and producer Dr. Barbara Ann Teer.

The theatre is located on 5th Avenue in Harlem, New York, within the 125th Street Special Arts District. Its mailing address is 2031-33 National Black Theatre Way.

What can I see or do there?

In addition to theatrical productions, the theatre hosts lectures, workshops, dance classes, virtual panels, and films. The 2025/2026 season features two theatrical productions and three multidisciplinary community events themed around heritage and humanity.

What should I check before going?

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

National Black Theatre in New York City

National Black Theatre

Born from the civil rights movement, this landmark Harlem institution is a pioneering home for Black artists, dedicated to authentic storytelling and the upliftment of African American cultural identity.

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What to know

The National Black Theatre (NBT) is a nonprofit cultural and educational community theatre that emerged from the civil rights movement. Founded in 1968 by the actress, director, and producer Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, it established itself as the first revenue-generating Black theater arts complex in the United States. The institution serves as a commissioning and producing home for Black artists, focusing on transformational, dialogue-generative theatre that challenges inaccuracies regarding African American cultural identity. Historically, the theatre's presence on 5th Avenue in Harlem featured a sprawling 64,000 square foot interior decorated with colorful African artwork. This space included the octagonal Liberation Temple on the third floor, which seated 272 guests, and a smaller, 140-seat Performing Space on the second floor. These venues hosted a wide array of activities, including dramatic performances, musical shows, lectures, workshops, and dance classes. Currently, the National Black Theatre is undergoing a historic capital redevelopment project within Harlem’s 125th Street Special Arts District. This transformation will see NBT occupy 25,000 square feet of space across the basement, ground floor, and the 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors of a new 21-story mixed-use development located at 2031 National Black Theatre Way. While the physical site is closed for renovations, the organization continues to present programming at various venues citywide. Despite the construction, NBT remains active through its 2025/2026 season, which focuses on themes of heritage and humanity. This season consists of three multidisciplinary community events and two theatrical productions. Additionally, the theatre has expanded its reach by offering digital theater experiences, virtual panels, and curated conversation series created by NBT residents.

Visitor tips

Check the official NBT website for the locations of their current off-site citywide programming since the main building is closed.
Look for the street signage for National Black Theatre Way to orient yourself in East Harlem.
Allow extra time to explore the 125th Street Special Arts District surrounding the site.

Nearby context

The theatre is situated on the dividing line between East and West Harlem, specifically within the 125th Street Special Arts District. This area is a hub for cultural expression and is currently seeing significant redevelopment, as evidenced by the new 21-story mixed-use project housing the theatre.

Quick facts