Byham Theater
Originally built as the Gayety Theater, the Byham Theater opened on Halloween night, 1904. It ran for many years as one of the country's foremost stage and vaudeville houses, with appearances from such stars as Ethel Barymore, Gertrude Lawrence and Helen Hayes. In the entry vestibule, note the original mosaic tile floor and the many bare light bulbs lining the ceiling, evidence of the advent of electrical lighting. Backstage, the theater was one of the remaining few to use sandbags and hemp ropes to work the scenery rigging until 1999 when a modern rigging system was installed. |
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In the 1930s, the theater was renamed The Fulton and became a full time movie theater. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust purchased the theater in 1990 and following the first of four planned phases of renovation, the Fulton was reopened in May 1991. It was later renamed the Byham Theater through a naming gift from the Byham family following the second phase of renovation in 1995. The old lighted Fulton marquee has been restored by the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg and will be installed there as part of a theater exhibit. The second phase of renovations brought new restrooms, box office, marquee, an elevator, lobby improvements and facade changes. In 1997, the Cherub Lobby was restored to its original splendor. The third phase of renovation in 1999 updated the theater rigging system, enlarged the orchestra pit and provided new HVAC for the entire building. Excavation under the stage and seating area provided space for future dressing rooms. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust continues to address the needs of the Byham Theater. These types of renovations are driven by the contributions of its attentive supporters, and with ongoing support the Cultural District will continue to improve and develop. |
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Byham Theater Seating ChartDownload a detailed seating chart (Requires Adobe Acrobat) |
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Upcoming Events at the Byham TheaterDon't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!
Byham Theater
Dentons Cohen & Grigsby Children's Theater Series
Kaiju Big Battel: Breakfast of Champions
Byham Theater
Dentons Cohen & Grisgby TRUST PRESENTS Series
Bruce Hornsby and yMusic present BrhyM
Byham Theater
Dentons Cohen & Grigsby TRUST PRESENTS Series
Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass & Other Delights
Byham Theater
Martin Media Presents
For a full list of upcoming events at the Byham Theater, visit our calendar page |
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Parking![]() |
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Directions to the Byham TheaterThe public entrance to the Byham Theater is on Sixth Street, at the corner or Sixth Street and Ft. Duquesne Boulevard, adjacent to the Rennaisance Pittsburgh Hotel.Public Transportation: Port Authority Buses, "T" Services and InclinesFor schedules, rates and general information about these services, visit Port Authority's Downtown Service Center at 623 Smithfield Street or call 412.442.2000, or visit https://www.rideprt.org. Please note that the "T" is always free downtown.Driving Directions from Google MapsDriving DirectionsFROM THE NORTH
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Facilities RentalMore information about facilities rental and theater tech specs |
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Text Venue DescriptionThe Byham Theater seats 1313 patrons. Below is a description of the seating configuration. Keep in mind that the directions left and right are, in relation to your entry point, at the back of the theater Floor: Balcony: |