The nation’s oldest theater designed, financed and operated entirely by African Americans is adding an attraction: visual art.

Since it was built in 1919, the Attucks Theatre has hosted performers such as Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington and once was called the “Apollo of the South.”

Now it is debuting its inaugural exhibition, “Black Voices & Visions,” in its new art gallery installed in the lobby. To celebrate the gallery opening Friday, the public will be offered free admission from 6-9 p.m. to view roughly 50 artworks by Black artists with ties to Hampton Roads.

The Gallery at the Attucks will be a permanent part of the theater, meant to display successive guest exhibitions.

Starting next week, the gallery will be accessible by anyone attending a performance at the Attucks. Norfolk Arts Manager Karen Rudd said its purpose is to “cross-pollinate audiences.” Providing visual art to theater patrons is aimed at increasing interest in both mediums, Rudd said.

“Black Voices & Visions” was curated by Joan Rhodes-Copeland, the executive director of Norfolk’s Aspire Gallery, and will be on view through April 3.

Colin Warren-Hicks, 919-818-8139, colin.warrenhicks@virginiamedia.com

If you go

When: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday

Where: Attucks Theatre, 1010 Church St., Norfolk

Tickets: Free

Details: norfolkarts.net

https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/10/10/historic-attucks-theatre-lobby-gallery/