First Church of Christ, Scientist, Theatre and church building in Old Northeast neighborhood, Saint Petersburg, Florida
This structure in the Old Northeast is a former church building now functioning as a theatre and performance venue that combines Romanesque Revival features with basilica-like interior elements. The space includes a historic organ and generous acoustics designed to carry music and spoken word throughout the hall.
The building arose in the 1920s as a church for a scientific Christian congregation and was later repurposed into a cultural center. Its architectural design drew inspiration from Florentine Renaissance forms, visible in the classical proportions and detailing throughout.
The building displays handcrafted details from the Arts and Crafts movement that visitors notice in the tilework and decorative elements throughout the interior. These ornamental features reflect the artistic taste that shaped the early twentieth century.
The venue is located along Fifth Avenue North in a historic neighborhood and remains easy to reach on foot with clear orientation within the district. Guests should check ahead about current programming since the calendar of events changes regularly throughout the year.
The building was originally designed and used for decades as a spiritual gathering place by a metaphysical community before taking on its present role. This religious past shaped how the space was arranged and remains evident in the architectural choices throughout.
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