National Theatre

Washington, D.C., United States

The National Theatre is located in Washington, D.C., and is a venue for a variety of live stage productions with seating for 1,676. Despite its name, it is not a governmentally funded national theatre, but operated by a private, non-profit organization.

This historic playhouse was founded on December 7, 1835, by William Corcoran and other prominent citizens who wanted the national capital to have a first-rate theatre. The theatre's initial production was Man of the World. The theatre has been in almost continuous operation since, at the same Pennsylvania Avenue location a few blocks from the White House. The structure has been rebuilt several times, including partial reconstructions after five fires in the 19th century. The current building, at 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, was constructed in 1923, opening in September of that year.

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    Address

    Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest 1301, Washington, D.C., United States
    See all sites in Washington, D.C.

    Details

    Founded: 1835/1923
    Category:

    More Information

    thenationaldc.org
    en.wikipedia.org

    Rating

    4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

    Interesting Sites Nearby


    National World War II Memorial (1,2 km)
    White House (0,5 km)
    Lincoln Memorial (1,9 km)
    Washington Monument (0,9 km)
    Smithsonian Institution Building (0,9 km)
    United States Capitol (2 km)
    Smithsonian American Art Museum (0,7 km)
    National Gallery of Art (1,1 km)
    The National Museum of American History (0,6 km)


    Mount Vernon (21,5 km)

    User Reviews

    F. Robert Ries (2 years ago)
    Throwback feel to it and seems just a tinge worn down - or maybe "unkempt" is the better word. For example, the awning that extends from the balcony to keep us heathens from pouring our drinks onto the spectators seated below was quite dusty. But it's a great space and our seats in the balcony were fantastic.
    Patrick Balchunas (2 years ago)
    A hidden jewel. Parking is very easy. Its easy to get to from the VIRGINIA suburbs and matinee ticket prices are awesome. I love this theater. Its a much more fun and pleasurable experience than that other place on the Potomac River
    Nicky Coogan (2 years ago)
    This was our first experience at the National theater. I loved the more intimate feel if this theater. I was really surprised at how good our seats were and how close to the stage we were. I will definitely go to another show in this theater. The drink and concessions were very pricey, but the theater as a whole was great!
    Erin Lyle (2 years ago)
    We saw the show, Beautiful, @ National Theatre. Its not the first time I've been there nor will it be the last! I highly recommend the show! Beautiful was incredible!! There are no words to describe it. Beautiful is a must see!! The Theatre itself is wonderful. Although, beware, there is a section in the Orchestra section that evens out for 3-4 rows. You either want to so I front or behind those rows for better viewing comfort.
    C DJ (3 years ago)
    Watched Beautiful, the Carole King musical. Sound in the theater is good. The ushers did a great job seating people. There were also ushers in the ladies room who directed patrons to empty stalls. While there was a line (isn't there always) it moved fast because of the ushers.
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    Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

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    Photo from Flickr, copyright Erik Christensen, Porkeri

    Historic Site of the week

    Kirkjubøargarður

    Kirkjubøargarður ('Yard of Kirkjubøur', also known as King"s Farm) is one of the oldest still inhabited wooden houses of the world. The farm itself has always been the largest in the Faroe Islands. The old farmhouse dates back to the 11th century. It was the episcopal residence and seminary of the Diocese of the Faroe Islands, from about 1100. Sverre I of Norway (1151–1202), grew up here and went to the priest school. The legend says, that the wood for the block houses came as driftwood from Norway and was accurately bundled and numbered, just for being set up. Note, that there is no forest in the Faroes and wood is a very valuable material. Many such wood legends are thus to be found in Faroese history.

    The oldest part is a so-called roykstova (reek parlour, or smoke room). Perhaps it was moved one day, because it does not fit to its foundation. Another ancient room is the loftstovan (loft room). It is supposed that Bishop Erlendur wrote the 'Sheep Letter' here in 1298. This is the earliest document of the Faroes we know today. It is the statute concerning sheep breeding on the Faroes. Today the room is the farm"s library. The stórastovan (large room) is from a much later date, being built in 1772.

    Though the farmhouse is a museum, the 17th generation of the Patursson Family, which has occupied it since 1550, is still living here. Shortly after the Reformation in the Faroe Islands in 1538, all the real estate of the Catholic Church was seized by the King of Denmark. This was about half of the land in the Faroes, and since then called King"s Land (kongsjørð). The largest piece of King"s Land was the farm in Kirkjubøur due to the above-mentioned Episcopal residence. This land is today owned by the Faroese government, and the Paturssons are tenants from generation to generation. It is always the oldest son, who becomes King"s Farmer, and in contrast to the privately owned land, the King"s Land is never divided between the sons.

    The farm holds sheep, cattle and some horses. It is possible to get a coffee here and buy fresh mutton and beef directly from the farmer. In the winter season there is also hare hunting for the locals. Groups can rent the roykstovan for festivities and will be served original Faroese cuisine.

    Other famous buildings directly by the farmhouse are the Magnus Cathedral and the Saint Olav"s Church, which also date back to the mediaeval period. All three together represent the Faroe Island"s most interesting historical site.

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