Categories: Articles, Audrey Bernard,
On Wednesday, June 10,2026, The Apollo hosted a relighting ceremony for the return of its iconic marquee and blade – a famous fixture on 125th Street — which marked the first public milestone in the institution’s relaunch, restoration and modernization of its theater along with the celebratory relighting along 125th Street in Harlem. First illuminated in 1934, The Apollo’s marquee has long stood as a global symbol of the institution’s embodiment of Harlem, Black artistic excellence, and American cultural innovation.
The lighting ushers in a new chapter for the future-facing cultural institution, expanding what is possible for artists, audiences, and the broader Harlem community. With enhanced infrastructure and greater flexibility, The Apollo’s launch represents new artistic initiatives, support more interdisciplinary and technologically ambitious work, deepen community engagement, and create new platforms for the next generation of Black creative voices.
The celebration began with a private reception at The Renaissance Ballroom, followed by a public ceremony along 125th street across from its Historic Theater with a special performance from Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock. The private reception also honored Apollo›s first diva, Kiki Shepard.
A musical procession featuring the NYC-based drumline and dance group Marching Cobras led attendees down 125th Street, transforming the block into a public, community-centered celebration that brings together Harlem residents, artists, and visitors in anticipation of the marquee relighting hosted by the affable Bevy Smith. The evening featured awesome remarks from Apollo President and CEO Michelle Ebanks and Apollo Board Chair Charles Phillips. The program was lit!
“The marquee`s re-lighting marks a turning point for The Apollo and the beginning of an exciting new chapter,” said Dawanna Williams, Apollo Board Real Estate Chair. “Black culture is not separate from American culture—it is one of its defining forces, and The Apollo has long been one of its most important stages. This restoration is an act of care and stewardship, ensuring that The Apollo continues to evolve for today`s and tomorrow›s expectations while preserving the history that defines this institution. With enhanced infrastructure and greater physical and programmatic flexibility, The Apollo will be able to support new artistic initiatives, deepen community engagement, and create opportunities for future generations of creative voices. As we look toward reopening, we are investing not only in a historic building, but in the future of arts and entertainment and in The Apollo`s ability to serve artists and audiences in Harlem, across the country, and around the world.”
Construction on the theater—which first opened in 1914 and became The Apollo in 1934—is taking place in phases, with reopening anticipated beginning in late 2026 or a public opening in spring 2027. “The Apollo’s iconic marquee is an enduring symbol of Black history, inclusivity and creativity, and this milestone is more than just a moment—it’s a celebration of this historic theater’s next act,” said Laura Bush, Regional Director—NYC Metro & NJ/PA at Consigli Construction Co., Inc. “Consigli is honored to lead the Apollo’s first full-scale renovation and deliver the modernizations required to help light a bright new future for the Harlem community.”
The project is being led by BeyerBlinder Belle Architects + Planners, in collaboration with consultants Charcoalblue (theater design and acoustic), Flyleaf Creative (signage design), and Consigli Construction (contractors). Additional collaborators include Cline Betteridge Bernstein, lighting design; Gace Consulting Engineers, structural engineer; Higgins Quasebarth & Partners, historic preservation; Production & Performance Facility Consulting, and theater consultants.
The Apollo will bring the spirit of Harlem to the East End on Saturday, August 1, 2026, with its premier fundraising event that celebrate culture, community, and philanthropy: Apollo in the Hamptons. The Apollo returns to the Hamptons with Apollo President and CEO Michelle Ebanks; Apollo Board Chair Charles Phillips; DJ Cassidy, Estelle, Brownstone, and DJ Aktive. Tickets are available at apollotheater.org/apollo-in-the-hamptons-2026. (Photos by Shahar Azran Photograph for The Apollo)
