Lincoln Theatre, Historic theatre in South Los Angeles, United States

The Lincoln Theatre is a building with Moorish Revival architecture featuring three symmetrical bays and elaborate ceramic tile work throughout its facade. The interior accommodates around 2,100 people and its ornamental details shape the character of its South Central Avenue location.

The venue opened in 1927 when most downtown Los Angeles theaters refused entry to Black patrons and performers. It became an anchor for entertainment and culture in the African American community throughout the segregation era.

This venue served as a vital gathering place for the African American community and hosted performers who faced discrimination at other entertainment establishments. It became a symbol of artistic independence and community pride during an era when such spaces were rare and necessary.

The building sits on South Central Avenue and remains visible from the street, though it now operates as a religious center. Access and touring opportunities may vary depending on current activities and functions within the space.

In the late 1940s, a bearded man in sandals waited outside the Lincoln and handed the song "Nature Boy" to Nat King Cole's road manager; Cole recorded it in 1948 and it became a number-one hit. The man was songwriter eden ahbez, and the handoff happened on the sidewalk by the theatre entrance.