El Museo del Barrio will celebrate the re-opening of El Teatro (Heckscher Theater) on February 23, 2019 with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony followed by a ticketed performance by El Barrio native, Eddie Palmieri. El Teatro underwent a fifteen-month long renovation, which included the installation of a new automated, motorized orchestra pit lift; an upgraded projection booth with a 20,000 lumen digital projector capable of screening modern motion pictures; a modernized audio system with a center stack of speakers and superior sound reproduction with digital controls, and substantial conservation work to the historic elements of the space. The $5.3 milion project was generously funded by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).

“A perfect complement to our exhibitions, bilingual education activities, and public programs, El Teatro will now allow us to further explore the full range of Latinx and Latin American cultural expressions with the addition of performing arts, music, dance, and theater,” said Patrick Charpenel, Executive Director, El Museo del Barrio. “As we begin celebrations for our 50th anniversary, I’m thrilled that El Teatro, as an integral part of our history and our legacy, will once again open its doors to our community and, as a state of the art performing arts center, will make an impact in New York’s cultural landscape.”

The historic El Teatro of El Museo del Barrio, formerly the Heckscher Theatre, is the only theatre of its kind on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Consisting of a proscenium arch stage and seating 572, it has been acknowledged as a Landmark Quality Interior venue for its remarkable series of monumental murals designed in 1921 by the gifted illustrator and painter, Willy Pogany (1882-1955) and distinctive stained glass roundels. Originally intended primarily for children’s theatre, it is now part of the New York City’s Historic Music Trail.

Recognizing its landmark significance and historic presence, El Teatro underwent a restoration of its chandeliers, landmarks murals, decorative plaster, and paint to match historic conditions under the supervision of a conservator. Additional updates to El Teatro for this recent renovation included refurbished theatrical curtains, rigging, and seating, as well as new aisle lighting; energy efficient LED lighting, both for theater and stage lighting; stage flooring; and additional enhancements of the projection booth, with HVAC, lights and projection windows.

“El Museo del Barrio plays a vital role in its community and in our city and state’s cultural landscape. NYSCA proudly supports the museum’s pivotal leadership in preserving and illuminating Puerto Rican and Latinx culture and its contributions to our shared goal of ensuring that our state’s artistic heritage is inclusive of all New Yorkers,” said NYSCA Executive Director Mara Manus. “We congratulate El Museo on its 50th anniversary and eagerly anticipated reopening.”

“El Teatro is a wonderful, one-of-a-kind historic space and I am thrilled that it will once again be open for the public to enjoy. These renovations preserve the history and integrity of El Teatro, while ensuring that El Barrio has a state of the art theater facility to meet the needs of the future. I look forward to all that is come for this remarkable space as El Museo continues to fulfill its mission of educating our communities on Latino culture,” added New York State Senator José M. Serrano. “I couldn’t be happier to have a true cornerstone of East Harlem return to its people.

Eddie Palmieri

“El Museo del Barrio’s reopening of El Teatro is so vital to East Harlem’s cultural growth and vitality. I’m thrilled that Salsa legend, Eddie Palmieri will be gracing the stage for the kick-off of a newly modernized theater that will serve our communities for years to come. I applaud the State of New York for their generous funding and commitment given to El Museo del Barrio, one of our community’s most beloved cultural institutions.” said Council Member Diana Ayala.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.elmuseo.org.