Benedum Center
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Benedum Center | |
| City | |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Capacity | 2,885 |
| Opened | 1928 |
| Rebuilt | 1987 |
| Current use | Performing arts |
- This article is for the former "Stanley Theater" of Pittsburgh; for other buildings of the same name, see Stanley Theater (disambiguation).
The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts (formerly known as the Stanley Theater) is a theater venue in the Cultural District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.
It opened on February 27, 1928, and is currently able to host about 2,885 people. In 1987, a $43 million restoration of the Stanley Theater was completed, and the venue was re-opened as the Benedum Center. It was named "Number One Auditorium in the U.S." by Billboard.
"The former Stanley Theater, opened in 1928 and designed by the firm of Hoffman & Henon, was restored and renovated as the Benedum Center for the Performing Arts in the late 1980s. In converting the theater into a full performing arts center, a new stagehouse and supporting building at the rear of the theater was erected. The interior of the theater was maintained and restored to its original beauty."[citation needed]
The Center is the home of the Pittsburgh Opera.
It is also known among rock and reggae fans. The Grateful Dead performed two legendary shows at the Stanley, and reggae icon Bob Marley performed his last live concert at the Stanley on September 23, 1980, before his untimely death in 1981. Prince kicked off his Controversy tour in 1981 at the Stanley Theater.
The center has hosted many recent PBS music specials.
