The theater was originally named the Palace Theatre and was part of the Keith-Albee vaudeville circuit.
The chandelier in the lobby is a massive crystal fixture that was salvaged and restored from the original 1922 construction.
The Palace is connected to the other theaters in the Playhouse Square district through a centralized lobby and administrative network.
The venue features a signature 'Palace' marquee that is a prominent fixture of the Cleveland skyline at night.
The auditorium's ceiling includes a series of elaborate murals and gilded decorative reliefs that reflect the luxury of the 1920s cinema era.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978 as part of the Playhouse Square historic district.
The theater's stage depth and wing space were expanded during the 1980s renovation to accommodate modern large-scale Broadway sets.
The Connor Palace is a historic theater located within the Playhouse Square district in downtown Cleveland. Originally opened in 1922 as a vaudeville venue, it was designed by Rapp & Rapp in the French Baroque style. It is the second-largest theater in the Playhouse Square complex, boasting a seating capacity of approximately 2,700 guests. The interior features an expansive lobby with an iconic grand staircase and intricate plaster ornamentation. As a major constituent of Playhouse Square, the venue hosts touring Broadway productions, concerts, and comedy performances. The theater underwent a major restoration in the late 1980s to preserve its historic architectural features while upgrading technical capabilities. It serves as a central hub for the performing arts in Northeast Ohio.
The base of the grand marble staircase in the main lobby, looking upward toward the crystal chandelier.
Arrive early to explore the shared lobby area, which connects the Connor Palace to the other historic theaters in the complex.
Check the digital signage in the lobby for historical photos of the theater prior to its major restoration.
Utilize the valet services or nearby garage parking, as street parking in the district is limited during peak performance times.
Do not attempt to enter the venue through the stage door or administrative entrances, which are restricted to personnel and performers.
Operates year-round; the schedule is strictly dependent on the touring production calendar and local event bookings.
Business casual is recommended; hats that obstruct views are discouraged.
