Carolina Theatre reopens in Charlotte after 50 years
Uptown Charlotte's historic Carolina Theatre is set to reopen after nearly 50 years.
Why it matters: The restored 906-seat venue will welcome guests again on Monday, March 24, hosting community events, live music, films, and more.
What they're saying: "This is Charlotte's theatre. Plain and simple," says Sean Seifert, Carolina Theatre executive director. "We're the community's living room."
Driving the news: Foundation For The Carolinas will celebrate with a ribbon cutting on March 24 at 3pm, followed by a free open house until 7pm.
Catch up quick: The City of Charlotte sold the theatre to the Foundation For The Carolinas for $1 in 2012. The foundation spent $90 million and eight years restoring the venue, from recreating murals to replicating the old ceilings.
The restoration effort to the 1927 theatre was a complex undertaking, project leaders say. Crews discovered hazards in the building, like old lead paint and contaminated underground water. COVID also delayed the progress and inflated construction costs.
What's next: The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra will perform on Friday, March 28, at 7:30 pm. The orchestra — which had its inaugural concert at the theatre 93 years ago on March 20, 1932 — has named the show "A Homecoming."
Local bluegrass musicians Mark and Maggie O'Connor will take the stage on Saturday, March 29 at 8pm.
Stop by: 230 N. Tryon St.
Tickets are sold at thecarolina.com.
Go deeper: Sneak peek inside
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