Poughkeepsie, NY Bardavon Theater Holds Incredible State Record
The Bardavon Theater is located in Poughkeepsie, NY. This venue is also known as the Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Inc and it was incorporated in the 1970's.
They mentioned that they are a nonprofit corporation in New York state, guests can visit this 944 seat theater filled with history and more.
What Historical Information Can Be Found About This Dutchess County, NY Theater
James Collingwood was a "British immigrant and successful merchant James " who opened a theater in his community. Collingwood was able to open this theater in the late 1860's which was called the Collingwood Opera House.
He owned and operated the theater for 50 years. In the early 1920's, the historic theater was sold. The Bardavon continued to mentioned that the theater was turned into a
“combination house that showcased Vaudeville performers, stock and dance companies, and silent movies." "It was renovated and reopened with a new name – the Bardavon – after the original Bard of Avon, William Shakespeare."
The Bardavon was visited by influential members of society such as FDR, Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Carnegie and more visited this historic theater. In the 1970’s, the Bardavon closed and was going to be demolished.
Hudson Valley residents came together to make sure that the Bardavon remained open. Thankfully, in 1979, a not for profit group came together to bring back the Bardavon and once again, this historic theater was a thriving business and known for being a performing arts center again.
Poughkeepsie, NY Bardavon Theater Holds Incredible State Record
The Bardavon shared,
"Our namesake theater is the oldest continuously operating theater in the state, one of the oldest in the country."
They also mentioned that they are on the National Register of Historic Places.
How Can You Visit The Bardavon In Pougkeepsie, NY?
A post shared by Bardavon & UPAC (@bardavonpresents)
Guests can still visit the Bardavon in Poughkeepsie, NY. They mentioned,
"The Bardavon offers affordable, world-class arts education programs, music, dance, theater, Live in HD broadcasts, and classic films for the diverse audiences of the Hudson Valley."
They shared that their programs, events and performances can bring in about 80,000 visitors and residents every year. The Bardavon also offers education programs and daytime performances.
Guests can visit this theater to see free movies, watch performances and more.
Additional information about the Bardavon can be found on their website.
Have you ever been to the Bardavon before in Poughkeepsie, NY? Where is your favorite theater to visit within New York state? Tell us more below.
Bardavon 1869 Opera House
35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
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