Article on opening of Banyard’s Theater and Museum

A new theater, called Banvard’s Theater and Museum will be opened on Broadway, corner of 30^th street in the first days of next month. The building covers a space of 20,000 square feet; the front on Broadway is 150 feet by 200 feet deep. The façade of the theater is built with golden and glazed bricks. Two entrances 16 feet wide lead from Broadway into the building. The museum is on the first floor, and consists of 4 large halls that are connected with each other and with the theater. Scientific collections will be exhibited in these halls. An art gallery for exhibiting statues, models and pictures will also be connected to the museum. A big hall is meant to be used for lectures, scientific experiments and the testing of models. Annexed to this hall another hall is supposed to exhibit a scientific curiosity which is still a secret. With the construction of this building, careful attention was given to ventilation, lighting and reducing fire hazards. The theater has 3 galleries (balconies) and a stage 65 feet wide and deep. The orchestra is situated above the stage beyond the proscenium boxes. The theater was built under the direction of Mr. Banvard. He will also be the manager of the institute. The construction costs came up to $200,000. (Same article in NYSZ 05/11/67, p. 8)