Shea's Performing Arts Center

Shea's Performing Arts Center is a theater building in Buffalo spanning three floors with 3,019 seats throughout its interior. The spaces showcase Art Deco architectural style with ornate plasterwork decorating walls and ceilings.

The theater was built in 1926 by the architectural firm Rapp and Rapp, initially functioning as both a cinema for silent films and a live performance venue. Over time it evolved into a multipurpose entertainment facility serving diverse audiences.

The venue serves as a major hub for Broadway productions, concerts, and theatrical performances in the region. Visitors experience live entertainment within a historic setting that has shaped local cultural life for generations.

The venue is located in downtown Buffalo and offers wheelchair accessibility along with daytime guided tours. Public transportation connections make it straightforward to plan a visit.

The theater preserves its original Wurlitzer organ, which plays during special film screenings and enriches select performances with musical accompaniment. This historic instrument adds a distinctive character to event experiences.

Location: Buffalo

Inception: January 16, 1926

Architects: Rapp and Rapp

Official opening: 1926

Capacity: 3019

Address: 646 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14202

Website: http://sheas.org

GPS coordinates: 42.89139,-78.87361

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:43