Trocadero Theatre

The Trocadero Theatre is an opera house in Chinatown featuring three floors of classical design with ornate decorations and a substantial stage. The interior displays detailed craftsmanship with decorated ceilings and walls that reflect 19th-century construction techniques.

The building opened in 1870 under architect Edwin Forrest Durang as an opera venue. Over the following decades it transitioned through different entertainment purposes, serving the community's changing needs for performance spaces.

The venue has served as a gathering place for different forms of live entertainment, reflecting how Philadelphia's tastes in music and performance have shifted across generations.

The venue sits in an accessible area of Chinatown and is straightforward to locate. The interior features older construction with stairs and corridors typical of historic buildings, so comfortable footwear is worth considering.

After closing in 2019, the theater began a transformation into a modern entertainment complex with renovation work starting in 2022. The project aims to restore the building with new concert spaces and dining areas while maintaining its historic character.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: 1870

Architects: Edwin Forrest Durang

Official opening: 1870

Capacity: 1200

Address: 1003 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

GPS coordinates: 39.95361,-75.15687

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:20