A Masterpiece of Moorish Revival Splendor
The Altria Theater is one of the largest and most visually distinct performance venues in the United States. Originally opened in 1927, it is famous for its towering minarets and intricate desert-themed murals. As a primary stop for Broadway in Richmond, it continues to serve as a cultural cornerstone for the city, blending historic charm with state-of-the-art acoustics.
Surrounding Areas
- Monroe Park: Located directly across from the Altria Theater, this is Richmond’s oldest park. It recently underwent a major restoration and features paved walking paths, a historic fountain, and open green space that serves as a central hub for both the community and VCU students.
- VCU Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA): Housed in a striking, modern building designed by Steven Holl Architects, the ICA is a non-collecting museum that showcases rotating exhibitions of contemporary art and performance.
- Cathedral of the Sacred Heart: A stunning example of Italian Renaissance Revival architecture, this cathedral was completed in 1906. It is a Virginia Historic Landmark and is renowned for its copper-clad dome, intricate stained glass, and grand pipe organ.
- 1708 Gallery: One of the oldest artist-run spaces in the country, this gallery is dedicated to presenting new art by emerging and established artists. It is a key part of Richmond’s vibrant local art scene and hosts the popular annual “InLight” light art festival.
- Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives: Located near the VCU campus, this museum collects and preserves materials related to Jewish history in Richmond and the wider region.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
- Virginia Holocaust Museum
Located in a historic warehouse in Shockoe Bottom, this museum documents the historical and personal realities of the Holocaust. Through immersive exhibits like the “I’m Still Here” gallery and a replica of a German railway car, it serves as a powerful voice against bigotry and hatred. - Jefferson Hotel
Richmond’s most iconic luxury hotel, commissioned in 1895 by Lewis Ginter. This Beaux-Arts landmark is famous for its grand “Gone with the Wind” style staircase, opulent Edwardian Baroque lobby, and its status as a AAA Five Diamond destination that has hosted presidents and celebrities for over a century. - Maymont
A sprawling 100-acre estate that was gifted to the city in 1925. It serves as a comprehensive historic site featuring a Romanesque Revival mansion, the Robins Nature Center with James River wildlife, and a working farm. In 2026, it stands as a centerpiece of Richmond’s public green space, offering self-guided audio tours and seasonal festivals. - Virginia State Capitol
Designed by Thomas Jefferson in 1785, this architectural masterpiece was the first American state capitol built in the form of a classical Roman temple. It houses the oldest legislative assembly in the Western Hemisphere and features an original life-sized statue of George Washington by Jean-Antoine Houdon.
History of the Altria Theater
The theater was completed in 1927 as the Acca Temple Shrine Mosque. It was designed to be a premier entertainment palace, originally including a swimming pool and bowling alley. The City of Richmond purchased the building in 1940 and renovated it over the years to preserve its Moorish Revival details. Following a multi-million dollar renovation in the 2010s, and further technical upgrades in 2025, the theater remains a top-tier venue for national tours and local events, maintaining its status as a historic and functional gem.
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