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Theatre Exterior Collection

The grandeur of theatre exteriors is a sight to behold, each one telling its own unique story

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Shaftesbury Theatre

Shaftesbury Theatre
March 1923: The exterior of Shaftesbury Theatre in London which is showing the play Stop Flirting. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: La Scala

La Scala
circa 1930: La Scala Opera House in Milan, originally built in 1776. (Photo by Herbert Felton/Herbert Felton/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: The Alhambra

The Alhambra
circa 1919: The Alhambra Music Hall theatre on Charing Cross Road, central London. It was demolished in 1936 to build the Odeon cinema, Leicester Square. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Folies Bergere

Folies Bergere
The Folies Bergere theatre in Paris, 1st February 1929. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Last Live Show

Last Live Show
Crowds outside the Empire Theatre, Leicester Square, London, 1926. Signs advertise the musical Lady, Be Good starring Fred and Adele Astaire

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Holborn Empire

Holborn Empire
circa 1930: The Holborn Empire, London. (Photo by Herbert Felton/Herbert Felton/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre
circa 1925: The Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, an example of Russian neoclassic architecture. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Hofburg Theatre

Hofburg Theatre
circa 1900: The Hofburg Theatre in Vienna. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Royal Aquarium

Royal Aquarium
circa 1910: A view of the Royal Aquarium Music Hall in Westminster on the site where the Central Hall was built. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Chicago Opera House

Chicago Opera House
circa 1930: Viewed from across the Chicago River, Chicago Civic Opera House with its 40 storey office built over the auditorium

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Ziggis Neon Sign

Ziggis Neon Sign
circa 1925: An illuminated neon sign reading The Great Ziegfeld, used to advertise his stage shows outside the theatre. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Empire Theatre

Empire Theatre
circa 1897: The Empire Theatre and Leicester Square in London. (Photo by General Photographic Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Kings Theatre

Kings Theatre
circa 1800: The facade of the Kings Theatre in Haymarket, London. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Queens Hall

Queens Hall
1894: The Queens Hall in Langham Place, Regent Street, London. The hall was the venue for the Promenade Concerts until it was burned out in the blitz in 1941

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Gaiety Theatre

Gaiety Theatre
1894: The exterior of the Gaiety Theatre on the Strand, London. (Photo by London Stereoscopic Company/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Leicester Square

Leicester Square
3rd July 1874: Opening of Leicester Square Gardens in London. In the background is the Alhambra theatre. A line of people are trying to peer through the cracks in the high wooden fence cutting them

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre
1928: The Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow, an example of Russian neoclassic architectural design. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Gaiety Theatre

Gaiety Theatre
1907: The Gaiety Theatre in the Strand, London. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Pavilion Theatre

Pavilion Theatre
July 1907: The Pavilion Theatre, Mile End Road, east London. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Holborn Empire

Holborn Empire
1909: The Holborn Empire music hall, London. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Olympia Theatre

Olympia Theatre
1909: Exterior of the Olympia Theatre in Shoreditch, London. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Theatre De L Odeon

Theatre De L Odeon
1910: The Theatre National De l Odeon in Paris, associated with composers Francois Boieldieu and Giacomo Meyerbeer. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Drury Lane

Drury Lane
1st June 1906: Early arrivals at Drury Lane for the Ellen Terry jubilee. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Last Chance To See

Last Chance To See
July 1921: Hopefuls queue for the last performances of the hit musical Chu Chin Chow at His Majestys Theatre, London. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Apollo Theatre

Apollo Theatre
11th September 1919: The Apollo Theatre in central London. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: L Ambigu Comique

L Ambigu Comique
The Theatre de l Ambigu Comique in Paris associated with composers Mehul, Auber, Donizetti, Berlioz, Adam and Ambroise Thomas. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Theatre Of The New

Theatre Of The New
The Theatre des Nouveautes in Paris. Composer and critic Adolphe Adam who wrote over 70 comic operas has associations with this theatre. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Paris Opera

Paris Opera
circa 1870: The Royal Academy of Music in Paris, later the Paris Opera. Original Artwork: Engraving by Hildibrand. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Paris Opera House

Paris Opera House
circa 1860: The Opera House in Paris. Original Artwork: Engraving by E Lebel after Michel-Charles Fichot (Photo by Henry Guttmann/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Theatre Favart

Theatre Favart
1820: The Theatre Italien in Paris. Original Artwork: Lithograph by Delpech after Arnout. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Theatre Feydeau

Theatre Feydeau
15th April 1830: The Theatre Feydeau in Paris. Original Artwork: Engraving by Elizabeth Byrne after T T Bury. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Folies Facade

Folies Facade
The Folies Bergere music hall and cabaret venue in the Montmartre district of Paris. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Theatre Italien

Theatre Italien
1830: The Theatre Italien (Opera) in Paris, associated with composers Meyerbeer, Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Opera Comique

Opera Comique
circa 1890: The Opera Comique in Paris. (Photo by Branger/Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Munich Opera House

Munich Opera House
circa 1890: The Hof Theatre or Opera House in Munich. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Opera House

Opera House
circa 1850: The Italian Opera house in Paris. Original Artwork: Engraving by A H Payne. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Teatro Alla Scala

Teatro Alla Scala
circa 1870: La Scala, a world-famous opera house in Milan. Original Artwork: Engraving by A H Payne. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: The Opera

The Opera
circa 1800: The Royal Academy of Music in Paris, later the Paris Opera. Original Artwork: Lithograph by Delpech. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageTheatre Exterior Collection: Shaftesbury Theatre

Shaftesbury Theatre
16th September 1919: The Shaftesbury Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue, central London. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)



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The grandeur of theatre exteriors is a sight to behold, each one telling its own unique story. From the iconic La Scala in Milan to the Shaftesbury Theatre in London's West End, these architectural marvels stand as testaments to the rich history and cultural significance of live performances. At The Alhambra, ornate detailing adorns the facade, transporting visitors back to a bygone era of opulence and elegance. Meanwhile, the Folies Bergere boasts a vibrant exterior that mirrors the vivacity found within its walls. As we bid farewell to the Last Live Show at Holborn Empire, memories are etched into every brick and mortar of this historic venue. Its closure serves as a reminder of how theatres hold cherished moments for performers and audiences alike. In Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre, an imposing structure commands attention with its neoclassical design. Similarly impressive is Vienna's Hofburg Theatre, where regal architecture sets the stage for unforgettable performances. Across continents lies Royal Aquarium in Leicester Square; once home to aquatic wonders but now transformed into an enchanting theatrical space. And who can forget Chicago Opera House? Its majestic exterior stands tall amidst bustling city streets while Ziggis Neon Sign illuminates nights with colorful allure. Whether it be classic or contemporary designs, theatre exteriors captivate our imagination even before stepping foot inside their hallowed halls. They serve as gateways into worlds unknown - realms where dreams come alive through music, dance, drama and comedy. So next time you pass by a theatre exterior remember: behind those doors lie countless stories waiting to unfold on stage.