History
100 Years of Firsts Laughs Celebrations Surprises
Since opening in 1924, the Warner Theatre’s neo-renaissance concert hall has become a cherished DC institution—a living, breathing archive of music, comedy, annual festivals, political rallies, theater, and award shows capturing new national moments every night. Beginning December 27, 2023, join us for a year-long centennial celebration commemorating 100 years of unforgettable performances as we set the stage for another truly sensational century.
1920's
AMERICA'S PERFECT THEATRE
On December 27th, 1924, the Warner Theatre, then known as the Earle, opened its doors as a grand picture palace in DC’s Penn Quarter entertainment district— a velvet-draped fantasy affectionately
referred to as America’s Perfect Theatre and lauded by the Washington Post as “a pleasure to enter and a regret to leave."
1930's
A MULTI-SENSORY NEO-RENAISSANCE ESCAPE
During the Great Depression, the Warner offered a much-needed escape just steps from the White House— a perfect backdrop for variety shows of vaudeville and movies. With the addition of big bands and the Roxyettes’ in-house dance troupe, each night was even more extraordinary than the last.
1940's
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
In the 1940s, the Warner Brothers acquired the theatre, ceasing multi-act performances in favor of a movies-only policy and new cinema technologies. And instead of Earle, owner Harry Warner demanded the theatre be renamed for him.
1950's & 60's
SPOTLIGHT ON THE REVOLUTION
Throughout the ‘60s, Warner’s stage hosted movie premieres while its streets hosted America’s civil rights movement — demonstrations that severely damaged the theatre and led to its closure.
1970's & 80's
EMBRACING THE COUNTER CULTURE
As the mainstream abandoned urban DC, in the 1970s and 80s Warner Theatre became a counter-cultural playground of underground films and socially relevant plays, and diverse music scenes of soul, rock‘n’roll, punk, and hip hop—including a surprise show by The Rolling Stones.
1990's
CROWN JEWEL RESTORED
After years of neglect, in 1992 an extensive three-year restoration returned it to its former architectural glory, the Warner reopened with a gala event hosted by Shirley MacLaine and Frank Sinatra—this would be Sinatra’s last appearance in DC.
2000's
A CHERISHED DC INSTITUTION
On top of hosting top music and comedy acts, the Warner Theatre has evolved as a cherished concert hall known for hosting important award shows like the BET Honors, political events including Obama’s inauguration festivities, and the Washington Ballets’ annual rendition of the Nutcracker.
2024
OPENING THE CURTAIN ON ANOTHER TRULY SENSATIONAL CENTURY
As it embarks on the next century of its storied legacy, in 2024 Warner Theatre commemorates 100 years of historic moments with a centennial celebration, setting the tone for its next act as DC’s Monument to Entertainment.