Opened in 1914 as a silent movie palace, the legendary Hippodrome Theatre later gained fame as a top vaudeville house and music hall which presented such notable names as Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Red Skelton, Benny Goodman, Dinah Shore, Milton Berle, the Andrews Sisters, and Frank Sinatra. In decline in later years, the famed theatre had reverted to a movie house and eventually closed its doors in 1990. In 2004, however, the Hippodrome was given new life in the form of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, which is comprised of a new building, the original Hippodrome, and two other historic buildings.
With an eye towards the preservation of each landmark, the Arts Center ties all four spaces together in a unique series of venues that present touring companies of Broadway plays and musicals. Tours of the historic theatre are conducted by the Hippodrome Foundation and include informative historical walks through all four buildings of the France-Merrick complex.
