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The show’s on pause, but the legacy is getting a serious glow-up. Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theater officially closed its doors on July 1 for a $65 million, yearlong renovation—the most ambitious in its 91-year history. The lights on the famous marquee may be dimmed, but the vision for the future is anything but.
Opened in 1914 and rebranded in 1934, the Apollo became a cornerstone of Black American culture, launching the careers of artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Lauryn Hill. Now, the 1,500-seat landmark is undergoing a comprehensive facelift, featuring a restored façade, upgraded LED marquee, expanded lobby, new seating and modern AV systems. Crucially, historic elements, such as the performer-signed “signature wall,” will be preserved.
“It is the first large‑scale renovation of the historic theater in our 91‑year history,” Joy Profet, the Apollo’s chief growth officer, told NY1. While work on the lobby began earlier this year, “July 1 is really the full-scale.”
The final in-house show before the closure was last Wednesday’s grand finale of Amateur Night at the Apollo. Neverson Cadesca, performing under the name Nev, closed out the night. The $20,000 prize went to saxophonist Emanuel Garilus from Gainesville, Florida.

While the main auditorium is shuttered, performances will temporarily relocate to the Apollo Stages at the Victoria, just down 125th Street. That complex includes two smaller theaters, part of the Apollo’s ongoing expansion.
Scaffolding is already up along the 125th Street exterior and temporary guest access is now rerouted through a covered entrance on 126th Street. A pop-up box office under the marquee is now serving guests.
According to architects Beyer Blinder Belle, the renovation aims to make the Apollo feel more open and community-connected. A café and new street-facing windows will anchor the expanded lobby and the Wall of Fame is going digital.
Work is expected to wrap by mid-2026. Until then, Amateur Night is on hold, but the Apollo’s spirit is just down the block—still shaking things up, still center stage.