History of The National

Look at the differences in The National over our 185 years.

Photograph of Grover’s National Theatre in 1862. This building burned down in 1873.

The New National Theatre, built in 1885 and remained unaltered until 1922.

The National Theatre in 1942. This building was built in 1922.

Today’s National Theatre hasn’t changed much since the 1922 rebuild. The last major renovation of the theatre was in 1984, and it focused on the interior. Photo credit: Mike Hume

A painting of the first National Theatre in 1835. This depiction is based on a newspaper article from the theatre’s opening.

Below are some highlights from The National Theatre’s long history. For a more in-depth timeline comparing the institution’s history to major events throughout the United States, visit A Brief History of The National Theatre.

December 7, 1835

The National Theatre opens in Washington, DC with a production of Man of the World, staged by Philadelphia’s Chestnut Street Theatre company.

1845-1850

The first of the theatre’s fires starts because of the oil used for lights. The theatre will reopen in 1850 to accommodate the visit of legendary singer Jenny Lind.

1857-1862

After changing management several times, The National Theatre burns down again in 1857. It reopens in a1862 as Grover’s National Theatre, named after then-manager Leonard Grover.

1865

It is at Grover’s that Tad Lincoln learns of the assassination of his father. President Lincoln enjoyed attending performances at The National Theatre. Would history have been different if he was in our box that night instead of at Ford’s?

1873-1885

The National burns down twice more in 1873 and 1885, but each time is rebuilt quickly, demonstrated its integrality to the city’s performing arts scene.

1922

The National Theatre building undergoes significant renovations. By and large, the structure built then is the same one that stands today.

1948

The National closes its doors after management refuses to racially integrate audiences despite pressure from unions and leading artists. It was briefly converted into a movie theater.

1952

The National reopens as an integrated performing arts venue with a production of Call Me Madam starring Ethel Merman.

1972

The National Theatre comes under the management of the Nederlander Organization for the first time.

1974-1979

The New National Theatre Corporation is established in D.C. as the non-profit that oversees the affairs of The National. It joins forces with the Kennedy Center for booking services but later declares its independence in 1979.

1980

The New National Theatre Corporation hands management of the theatre over to the Shubert Organization.

1982-1984

The National closes for renovations resulting in the venue audiences see today. President Ronald Reagan gives a speech following the production of 42nd Street to celebrate the reopening in 1984.

2012

JAM Theatricals and Philadelphia’s SMG assume management of the theatre from the Shubert Organization.

2019

The Nederlander organization returns to management of The National after acquiring JAM Theatricals.

2021

The non-profit changes its name from The National Theatre Corporation to The National Theatre Foundation to better align with the non-profit nature of the organization.