Exploring New York’s Most Extravagant Concert Venue

Last Thursday’s Flaming Lips concert in Brooklyn involved psychedelic projections, inflatable pink robots, confetti, lasers, and bouncing balls. But the most spectacular sight may have been the view from the stage.

“What an amazing place to be in tonight,” frontman Wayne Coyne marveled, pointing a flashlight at the auditorium to get a better look.

Opened in 1929, the Kings Theatre is not just the most opulent and extravagant concert venue in New York — it’s one of the most stunning buildings in the city. With a tip of the hat to Versailles and the Palais Garnier, the auditorium boasts sumptuous red curtains, an intricately detailed 50,000 square foot ceiling, and grottos of caryatids either side of the stage.

Reopened in 2015 after years of neglect, the historic venue now hosts a vibrant calendar of concerts and events, as well as historic tours. (Upcoming musical highlights include Rodrigo y Gabriela, Sigur Rós, Janelle Monáe, Explosions in the Sky, and Nick Cave.)

Kate Hesler, Director of Marketing at Kings Theatre, spoke to Forbes about the history, architecture, and utter specialness of the space.

Kate, how would you personally describe the experience of attending an event there?

Attending an event at Kings is a one-of-a-kind experience. The moment you step inside, you’re transported to another era. The grand architecture, ornate details, original furnishing, and sheer size create an atmosphere that is both awe-inspiring and at the same time intimate.

The sound, lighting, and acoustics are exceptional. There’s not a bad seat in the entire house. One thing that I think makes us especially unique is the variety of events that we host. Just in the last few weeks, we’ve hosted the New York City premiere of “Transformers: Rise of Beasts,” the Flaming Lips (which made its way onto my personal top three shows since I’ve been working at Kings), and Sisters of Mercy. Each event can be its own unique experience.

It’s a privilege to get to watch how different artists handle the room. I remember when Nick Cave and Warren Ellis performed in 2022. There were moments when you could hear a pin drop in the theatre – even with a completely sold-out crowd. Nick’s ability to command the stage and audience was really something to watch and the ambiance of the venue really added to the specialness of the experience.

Kings Theatre opened in an era of opulent movie palaces. What can you tell us about what the surrounding neighborhood was like in 1929, and Kings Theatre’s role in the neighborhood in the years that followed?

Back in 1929, Flatbush was a hub of entertainment and community – the area was really at its height with many shops and businesses up and down Flatbush Avenue that catered to a diverse set of middle-class residents. The area was home to many theatres, including The Rialto, The Abermarle and The Kenmore – but Kings was known for being the grandest of them all, and is the only one operating as a venue today.

Kings Theatre opened on September 7, 1929, which coincidentally was the first day that the stock market showed warning signs of the upcoming collapse. Originally, Kings was part of the “straw-hat circuit” which featured both films and vaudeville performances. With the severe impact of the Great Depression, live performances were no longer financially feasible and by the mid-30s Kings Theatre was devoted to film screenings only. Going to the movies provided patrons an escape from the difficulties of the time. Kings was one of the first venues in the country to have air conditioning, so people would come to the theatre and spend the entire day watching the latest “talkies.”

By the late 1940s, the area around Kings and the venue itself were starting to see signs of struggle. The 1948 US Supreme Court decision that declared the Hollywood studio systems a monopoly left Kings without a distributor at a time when the neighborhood was undergoing much change. By 1950, Flatbush residents started to leave the area in favor of the suburbs and both television and air-conditioning were becoming available in people’s homes. The world was changing, and people were gathering less at the theatre and more at home around the TV.

The movie studio system needed smaller theatres to bring in more movies that drew in broader audiences. They started breaking up the movie palaces and converting many into multiplexes. A unique design decision saved the Kings from the same fate. Due to Kings’ single balcony, it was deemed too shallow and far from the stage to make it cost effective to divide. If not for that decision, which also impacted the restoration efforts, it’s very likely Kings would not be standing today.

Loew’s Wonder Theatres were known for their extravagant architecture and interior decoration. What are your favorite design details or elements in the theatre?

Designed by Rapp & Rapp, Kings is modeled in the style of Louis XIV and inspired by the Paris Opera House and the palace of Versailles. The details and elements in Kings Theatre are truly over the top and magnificent. There are very few venues like this remaining that the public can enjoy.

One of my favorite features are the intricately designed faces that are found throughout the theatre and lobby. We are often asked if they are an actual person, but to our knowledge they are not. The grotto areas that are located toward the front of the main space each feature several satyrs. It’s said that these spaces were originally intended for use by matrons to keep an eye on children during screenings. It definitely feels like they are watching you when standing in those areas!

It’s these intricate design elements that truly make it a space to visit time and time again. I’ve been working here since 2019 and I find new things all the time. I have to remind myself to look up!

How would you describe the specialness and importance of Kings Theatre today, nearly a century since its opening — and the importance of preserving it?

Kings stands as a living testament and reminder of a time when entertainment venues were architectural marvels. Preserving Kings Theatre was crucial because it allows us to hold onto an important part of Brooklyn’s history. We can continue to appreciate the craftsmanship of the past and host events where patrons can create new memories for generations to come.

It continues to serve as a vibrant cultural institution, bringing together diverse audiences and providing a platform for artistic expression and community engagement. We want to ensure that this treasure remains a source of inspiration, joy, and cultural connection for years to come.