Charleston Municipal Auditorium, multi-purpose hall in Charleston, West Virginia, United States
The Charleston Municipal Auditorium is a large Art Deco-style performance venue in Charleston, West Virginia, with a capacity of over 3000 people and a spacious stage approximately 65 by 85 feet. Its main hall is designed with tiered seating and a balcony to ensure clear sightlines, while the interior features geometric decorative details characteristic of its architectural style.
Built between 1937 and 1939 and opened in 1939, the venue was created as part of the New Deal program to provide jobs and improve public spaces during the Great Depression. Designed by architect Alphonso Wysong, it became the largest theater in West Virginia and has hosted major performances and events for over 80 years.
The auditorium serves as a gathering place where the community comes together for performances, concerts, and local celebrations. Its name reflects its role as a publicly owned venue that has connected generations of residents through shared entertainment experiences.
The venue is located in downtown Charleston on Virginia Street East and is easy to find with its prominent position in the historic district. When visiting, you can clearly see the building's Art Deco architecture and its integration into the surrounding neighborhood.
The building became West Virginia's largest theater and attracted legendary performers including Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, and Johnny Cash. Its Art Deco architecture features distinctive geometric patterns and decorative details that exemplify the design style of that era.
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