Explore the stunning United Palace theater with Open House New York! When it opened in 1930 as one of five Loew’s “Wonder Theaters” in the New York area, its gleaming, over-the-top “Byzantine-Romanesque-Indo-Hindu-Sino-Moorish-Persian-Eclectic-Rococo-Deco” interior was hailed as a “kitchen-sink masterpiece” by The New York Times. 

Designed by noted architect Thomas Lamb (James Earl Jones Theatre, Ziegfeld Theatre) with interiors overseen by decorative specialist Harold Rambusch (Waldorf Astoria, Roxy Theatre), it was one of the region’s premier vaudeville and movie houses. Today, the United Palace hosts concerts, movies, and community events and provides spiritual and cultural programming—including the 2024 OHNY Weekend Launch Party. 

On this tour, you’ll get an in-depth look at the intricate decor and notable history of the 3,400-seat theater, mezzanine, grand foyer, and balcony and take a turn in the spotlight on stage.

Ticket price includes a complimentary beverage. This tour is a fundraiser to support the theater restoration—all proceeds go directly to United Palace. Current restoration projects include lighting and sound upgrades, theater pipe organ restoration, and ongoing cleaning and painting of the architecture, among other maintenance required of this 95-year-old Wonder on 175th Street.

The mezzanine and VIP lounge are only accessible by stairs, but the other tour locations, including the stage, are wheelchair accessible.