Columbus Palace Theater Will Celebrate Centennial Birthday
The historic venue will reach 100 years of operation in November 2026.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Dance
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The Palace Theater will begin its centennial celebration this November 2026. This milestone honors the century-old venue that remains a cornerstone of the Columbus arts community.
Why it matters
The celebration highlights the enduring community support and preservation efforts required to maintain historic performing arts venues in the city. It also marks the beginning of a multi-year series honoring several major theaters reaching their 100th anniversaries.
The Palace Theater accommodates a seating capacity of 2,695 guests. The venue previously underwent a major $8 million renovation in 2018 to update its main floor seating and infrastructure.
The players
Katherine LeVeque
She was a philanthropist who secured the future of the Palace Theater by acquiring the LeVeque Tower and funding its restoration.
CAPA
This organization has served as the operator of the Palace Theater since 1989 and oversees the upcoming centennial events.
The details
Katherine LeVeque saved the theater from being converted into a parking garage in the late 1970s by acquiring the LeVeque Tower and funding restoration efforts. CAPA eventually assumed operation of the facility in 1989, leading to further improvements of artist spaces in the 2000s.
Timeline
The Palace Theater was originally built in 1926.
Katherine LeVeque acquired the LeVeque Tower in 1977.
CAPA took over operation of the theater in 1989.
The venue underwent an $8 million renovation in 2018.
The Palace Theater turns 100 years old in November 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The centennial events reflect a broader trend of historic venue preservation within the urban arts landscape. This celebration follows the pattern of institutional stability established by the 1989 transfer of Palace Theater operations to CAPA.
Residents can participate in the ongoing centennial series hosted by CAPA through 2028. The events provide patrons with continued access to performances within the renovated 2,695-seat facility.
The takeaway
The Palace Theater centennial reminds residents that historic venues require sustained private and public investment to remain viable. Community members can support this legacy by attending events as the theater moves into its next century of operation.
Further reading
Learn more about local performance history in Columbus Dance.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WOSU Public Media.
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