Photo courtesy of Hippodrome Foundation, Edited By Sarah M. ‘27
The History of the Hippodrome Theatre
By: Paige C. ‘28
The Hippodrome Theatre has long been a part of entertainment in Baltimore. Throughout its operation, the Hippodrome Theatre has fluctuated in popularity, been under different leadership, and had numerous renovations, all while continuing to bring amusement to the people in Baltimore.
First opening its doors on November 23, 1914, the Hippodrome Theatre was commissioned to be built on the site of the old Eutaw House, an old luxury hotel, by Marion Pearce and Philip Scheck. It was designed by a notable theatre architect of the time, Thomas Lamb, and included 3,000 seats and a grand entrance. The stately entrance incorporated a detailed exterior with three arched awnings and intricate stained glass transom windows over the doors, and an impressive interior with luxurious scarlet curtains, red-carpeted rooms, and elaborate golden plasterwork accenting the walls.
Not only was the architecture of the Hippodrome Theatre a piece of art in itself, but the performances were also beautifully entertaining live art. Originally, the Hippodrome hosted movies with sound provided by a live band, because there were only silent films at the time, as well as hosting vaudeville performances. Vaudeville is a genre of comedic entertainment with many acts that include magicians, acrobats, comedians, trained animals, jugglers, singers, and dancers.
These performances provided a time and place for relaxation for workers in Baltimore and proved to be very popular by 1920, when the average attendance per week was 30,000 people. This did not last very long as by 1931 the Hippodrome Theatre was accumulating debt. Hoping to revitalize the theatre, L. Edward Goldman purchased the Hippodrome and hired a manager, Isidor M. Rappaport, who installed new renovations including a new marquee and seats. This proved to be an excellent decision as the Hippodrome Theatre flourished under Isidor M. Rappaport’s leadership, even presenting Red Skelton, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, and many other notable performers.
Business for the Hippodrome Theatre continued to stay strong through the 1950s until it had its final live performance in 1959 and switched to being solely a movie theatre. Additionally, in preparation for the premier of the film “Cleopatra” held at the Hippodrome Theatre, it underwent another large renovation. Even with the renovations and notable film screenings, the Hippodrome was no longer as popular as it once was. Through the 1970s and 1980s attendance was becoming fewer and fewer until the Hippodrome Theatre had to close its doors in 1990 as the last standing on the westside of downtown Baltimore.
Despite that, no one gave up hope for performing arts in Baltimore and after 14 years of being shut down, the Hippodrome Theatre reopened in 2004 as The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center at the Hippodrome. This reopening came with major reconstruction which combined four surrounding buildings including the historic Western National Bank, Eutaw Savings Bank, Hippodrome, and a new building beside them. The preservation of these historic landmarks was key in the minds of the architects, so features such as the three arched awnings above the entrance and the extravagant interior decorations. Which still include heavy scarlet curtains and patterned red carpeted floors.
Now, The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center at the Hippodrome hosts a variety of performances such as touring Broadway shows, dances, music, comedy, and many more acts. Today the Hippodrome Theatre lives on to be an experience enjoyed by everyone who comes to visit.
Resources:
Theresa Donnelly, “Hippodrome Theatre,” Explore Baltimore Heritage, accessed December 7, 2024, https://explore.baltimoreheritage.org/items/show/125.
“History,” The Hippodrome Theatre at The France-Merrick Performing Art Center, accessed December 8, 2024, https://www.france-merrickpac.com/index.php/history