Wells Theatre, Norfolk
The historic Wells Theatre is an architectural and cultural landmark built in 1913 and designed by the noted New York firm E. C. Horn & Sons. This Beaux-Arts masterpiece originally served as the flagship of the Wells brothers鈥� vaudeville circuit across the South. With its ornate plasterwork, stained glass, murals, and luxurious detailing, the Wells was lauded upon opening as the most extravagant playhouse of its time-and much of that opulence remains today.
Step inside, and you'll be amazed by a richly decorated interior featuring Renaissance-style box seats that appear to float serenely above the audience, gilt plaster accents, marbleized walls, and a pastel-hued ceiling mural.
From its grand opening on August 26, 1913, the theatre has hosted a dazzling array of stars-from Maude Adams鈥檚 aerial Peter Pan, to legendary performers like Fred and Adele Astaire, Will Rogers, Billie Burke, and John Philip Sousa. Originally a vaudeville and first-run movie house, the Wells continued evolving through decades of cultural shifts-from silent films to burlesque, eventually becoming an adult movie venue by the 1960s.
By 1979, the theater鈥檚 fortunes were changing. The Virginia Stage Company took occupancy after a restoration, launching live theatrical programming in February 1980. A further round of renovation in 1986 helped it earn recognition as a National Historic Landmark, ensuring both its preservation and its continued role as a regional cultural pillar.
Today, the Virginia Stage Company presents a full season of compelling performances-from Broadway classics and adaptations to powerful regional premieres in their signature American Soil Series. Beyond the stage, the Wells Theatre is layered with stories-some even say it's haunted. Legends speak of ghostly figures like 鈥渁 man in a top hat鈥�, 鈥渁 lady in white鈥�, a sailor named Ned, and a boy nicknamed Boots who allegedly roam the dim corridors and box seats.
Step inside, and you'll be amazed by a richly decorated interior featuring Renaissance-style box seats that appear to float serenely above the audience, gilt plaster accents, marbleized walls, and a pastel-hued ceiling mural.
From its grand opening on August 26, 1913, the theatre has hosted a dazzling array of stars-from Maude Adams鈥檚 aerial Peter Pan, to legendary performers like Fred and Adele Astaire, Will Rogers, Billie Burke, and John Philip Sousa. Originally a vaudeville and first-run movie house, the Wells continued evolving through decades of cultural shifts-from silent films to burlesque, eventually becoming an adult movie venue by the 1960s.
By 1979, the theater鈥檚 fortunes were changing. The Virginia Stage Company took occupancy after a restoration, launching live theatrical programming in February 1980. A further round of renovation in 1986 helped it earn recognition as a National Historic Landmark, ensuring both its preservation and its continued role as a regional cultural pillar.
Today, the Virginia Stage Company presents a full season of compelling performances-from Broadway classics and adaptations to powerful regional premieres in their signature American Soil Series. Beyond the stage, the Wells Theatre is layered with stories-some even say it's haunted. Legends speak of ghostly figures like 鈥渁 man in a top hat鈥�, 鈥渁 lady in white鈥�, a sailor named Ned, and a boy nicknamed Boots who allegedly roam the dim corridors and box seats.
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Wells Theatre on Map
Sight Name: Wells Theatre
Sight Location: Norfolk, USA (See walking tours in Norfolk)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Norfolk, USA (See walking tours in Norfolk)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Norfolk, Virginia
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Norfolk Introduction Walking Tour
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In 1636, English colonists established a small settlement along the Elizabeth River, recognizing the area鈥檚 natural deep-water harbor as a vital asset for... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles