Royal Theater

The Royal Theater is a movie theater in St. Petersburg housed in a distinctive Quonset hut structure made of steel and concrete with seating for around 700 people. The renovated building now features modern projection technology, a large screen, and a stage designed to accommodate different types of entertainment.

This theater opened in 1948 as a movie house for African American audiences during the period of racial segregation and operated in that role until 1966. Afterward, the building was transformed into a youth community center, serving the neighborhood in a different capacity.

This venue served as a vital gathering place for the Black community, offering far more than just entertainment. It functioned as a social hub where people connected and shared their experiences during a time of strict segregation.

The theater is located on 22nd Street South and is easy to find once you are in the central area of St. Petersburg. The building's distinctive shape makes it stand out, and visitors should know that it regularly hosts different types of events throughout the year.

The Sons of the Legion drum corps performed on the theater's steps during its opening in 1948, creating a memorable beginning for this venue. This outdoor musical celebration on the building's entrance steps marked an important moment for the community.