The History
While it began as a circus in 1808, the Walnut Street Theatre was soon setting theatrical trends: installing the nation’s first gas footlights (1837) and air conditioning with Mr. Barry’s Patent Cool Air Machine (1855).
A National Historic Landmark, the Walnut Street Theatre is the country's oldest theater.
Some of the world’s most famous actors have played here, including Marlon Brando, Paul Robeson, Audrey Hepburn, Helen Hayes, Groucho Marx, Sidney Poitier and many others.
With its centuries-old bricks attractively exposed in places, today’s theatergoers can actually touch the venue’s history.
Don’t Miss
The Walnut Street Theatre offers several ways to save. A limited number of reduced-price tickets are available for each show, making theater accessible to a wider audience. Discounts are also available for members of the military and members entertainment industry.
Any available day-of-show tickets go for half price.
