Saenger Theatre
No visit to New Orleans is complete without a trip to the Saenger Theatre at 1111 Canal Street. Located in the downtown Central Business District, it was designed by Emile Weil in 1927 and quickly became a landmark in the city. Known for its re-creation of 15th century Italian exterior designs, including the lavish courtyard and gardens, you can enjoy a starlit “sky ceiling” in the evenings, impressive columns and intricate moldings.
The arched surroundings and statues that pepper the garden make it a popular venue for weddings and celebrations. The Saenger was at the heart of the city’s entertainment culture for nearly 80 years. Touted as the grandest venue in the area, and taking up three blocks of Canal Street and surrounding neighborhoods with its many adjacent offices, it’s hosted some of the best-ranked films and performances of all time.
A Grand History
With 4,000 seats, it’s capable of hosting even the largest of affairs. You’ll find it at the corner of Canal and North Rampart, and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It once served as the flagship of the Julian and Abe Saenger empire, which led to scores of theatres around the country.
However, today it’s just one of a few remaining Saenger theatres. Although it was damaged in Hurricane Katrina, rendering it inoperable for nearly a decade, it’s now been restored to its original beauty.