Lincoln Theatre | Northwest Washington

Information

Landmark: Lincoln Theatre
City: Northwest Washington
Country: USA Washington DC
Continent: North America

Lincoln Theatre, Northwest Washington, USA Washington DC, North America

The Lincoln Theatre is a historic performance venue located in Northwest Washington, D.C.

This building serves as a site for live entertainment and community events.

Visual Characteristics

The theatre's exterior features a red brick facade with limestone accents. It stands three stories high and exhibits a Neoclassical architectural style. The main entrance is marked by a prominent marquee and large display windows.

Location & Access Logistics

The Lincoln Theatre is situated at 1215 U Street NW, Washington, D.C. It is approximately 3.5 kilometers northwest of the U.S. Capitol building. Limited street parking is available in the surrounding area, and metered parking garages are located within a 0.5km radius. The closest Metro station is U Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo (Green and Yellow Lines), located 0.2km east. Several bus routes, including the 90, 92, and 93, stop directly in front of the theatre on U Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The Lincoln Theatre was constructed in 1921. It was designed by architect Reginald W. Geare. The original purpose was to serve as a venue for vaudeville shows and motion pictures, becoming a significant cultural hub for the African American community in Washington, D.C.

Key Highlights & Activities

Attend scheduled theatrical performances, concerts, and film screenings. Check the venue's official schedule for specific event times and ticket availability. The lobby area is accessible for pre-show gatherings.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the theatre. Limited seating is provided in the lobby. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally consistent within the building. Food and beverage vendors are not present inside the theatre, but numerous restaurants and cafes are located on U Street NW within a 0.1km radius.

Best Time to Visit

Performance times vary; consult the venue's schedule. Evening performances typically begin between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM. The surrounding U Street Corridor is most active during evening hours.

Facts & Legends

During its early years, the Lincoln Theatre was one of the premier venues for Black performers in the United States, hosting notable figures like Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. A local anecdote suggests that a secret passage once existed backstage, though its existence is unverified.