It is among Jacksonville's most treasured historic landmarks. The Florida Theatre opened its doors in 1927 and is the River City's last remaining example of the 1920s fantasy architecture. Only four theatres of its kind remain in Florida. Jacksonville architect Roy Benjamin and R.E. Hall of New York fashioned the theatre after a Moorish courtyard night scene, complete with balconies, fountains and an ornate arched proscenium that reaches six stories high.
Early patrons of the Florida Theatre danced the night away on the building's original roof garden. Historic moments include Elvis Presley's first appearance on an indoor stage in 1956, and the ensuing national media attention after Jacksonville Juvenile Court Judge Marion Gooding sat through the performance to police Presley's infamous pelvic movements.
Today, the Florida Theatre hosts more than 200 events annually and is home to several nonprofit arts organizations including Theatreworks and the Florida Ballet.
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