Byham Theater | Pittsburgh

The Byham Theater is a historic and architecturally stunning performing arts venue located in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District at 101 Sixth Street. It has played a significant role in Pittsburgh’s cultural life for over a century, evolving through multiple phases from vaudeville to movies to a premier venue for live theater and concerts.

Historical Background

Opening and Early Years (1904):
The theater originally opened on October 31, 1904, as the Gayety Theater. It was designed to serve as a vaudeville house, a popular form of entertainment at the time featuring a variety of acts such as comedy, music, magic, and dance.
The Gayety quickly became one of Pittsburgh’s premier entertainment venues, drawing famous performers like Ethel Barrymore, Gertrude Lawrence, and Helen Hayes. Its reputation was built on the elegance of its performances and the lavishness of its interior.

Transition to Cinema (1930s–1968):
During the 1930s, the theater was renamed the Fulton Theater and shifted its focus to showing films, reflecting the growing popularity of cinema.
The Fulton Theater gained historical significance by hosting the world premiere of “Night of the Living Dead” (1968), a cult classic horror film directed by George A. Romero, filmed in Pittsburgh and its surroundings.

Acquisition and Renovation (1990–Present):
In 1990, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust acquired the theater as part of a larger initiative to revitalize downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.
After extensive renovations to restore its architectural beauty and update facilities for modern performances, the theater reopened in 1991.
In 1995, a major gift from philanthropists Carolyn M. and William C. Byham led to the renaming of the theater as the Byham Theater.

Architectural Features

Design Style:
The Byham Theater is noted for its ornate early 20th-century architecture, blending elements of Beaux-Arts and Renaissance revival styles, which were popular for grand theaters of that era.
The interior is lavishly decorated with pressed copper cherubs, stained glass windows, and scagliola (a plaster technique that imitates marble), contributing to a rich, elegant atmosphere.

Lobby and Interior Highlights:
The Cherub Lobby, restored in the 1990s, preserves many original decorative features, including mosaics and historic lighting fixtures.
The theater’s original mosaic tile floor and early electrical lighting fixtures still remain in the entry vestibule, offering visitors a glimpse into the building’s historic past.

Seating and Stage:
The theater accommodates about 1,300 patrons, providing an intimate yet spacious environment for a variety of performances.
Until 1999, the theater retained traditional backstage rigging systems using sandbags and hemp ropes, a rarity among modern theaters, reflecting its historic heritage.

Cultural and Artistic Importance

The Byham Theater hosts a diverse array of performances, including Broadway touring shows, concerts, dance, comedy, family shows, and special events.

It is a cornerstone venue within the Pittsburgh Cultural District, contributing significantly to the city's vibrant arts scene.

The theater’s long history links Pittsburgh’s entertainment past—from vaudeville and classic films—to its present as a thriving cultural hub.

Notable Events

The theater has been home to countless notable performances by celebrated actors, musicians, and companies over the decades.

Its premiere of Night of the Living Dead is a key moment in film history, cementing the theater’s place in Pittsburgh’s pop culture lore.

The transition to the Byham Theater brought renewed life, allowing the venue to host major national touring Broadway productions and high-profile concerts.

Location and Visitor Information

The Byham Theater is located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, adjacent to the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel and close to numerous restaurants, galleries, and other theaters.

It is accessible by public transportation and offers nearby parking facilities.

The Cultural District itself is a vibrant area for arts and entertainment, making the Byham Theater a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

Summary

The Byham Theater stands as a beautifully preserved historic gem in downtown Pittsburgh, blending architectural grandeur with a dynamic program of contemporary performances. Its transformation from a vaudeville stage to a modern performing arts center mirrors Pittsburgh’s own evolution as a city embracing culture and the arts. The theater continues to be a beloved venue, honoring its rich past while engaging new generations with world-class entertainment.