Forrest Theatre

The Forrest Theatre is a theatre building on Walnut Street in Philadelphia with three levels and a total of 1,851 seats. The seating areas distribute across the orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony sections, each offering different views of the stage.

The building was designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp in 1927 and named after Edwin Forrest, a 19th-century actor born in Philadelphia. Its construction represented a major project for the city and reflected growing investment in entertainment venues.

The theatre hosts touring Broadway productions and dance performances that draw audiences from across the region. The stage is a living space where classic musicals and contemporary works come together.

The orchestra section is step-free, while the mezzanine requires climbing two flights of stairs, and assistive listening devices are available throughout the building. It is helpful to arrive early to explore the layout and orientation.

The theatre building connects to separate dressing rooms through underground tunnels, revealing how thoughtfully architects planned entertainment venues in the 1920s. These subterranean passages allowed performers to move privately between spaces.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: May 1, 1928

Architects: Herbert J. Krapp

Official opening: 1928

Capacity: 1851

Website: http://forrest-theatre.com

GPS coordinates: 39.94860,-75.15960

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:05