The Victoria Theater, an iconic cultural venue in Harlem, has regained its former glory after an ambitious renovation that completely transformed its infrastructure while preserving its historical essence. Figueras Seating participated in this project by installing a retractable seating system in its two cultural spaces, designed to maximize the versatility of its multipurpose rooms and enhance the audience experience.
Built in 1917 on 125th Street in Harlem, the Victoria Theater was a hub of African American talent, hosting burlesque, vaudeville, and cinema performances. However, the theater closed in 1977 and, after several attempts at revival, remained abandoned for a decade. Today, thanks to a major renovation that involved demolishing the original building and constructing the tallest skyscraper north of Central Park in Manhattan, the theater has been reborn as a modern cultural venue that preserves its historical character while adapting to the needs of the 21st century.
Objective: Flexibility for Multiple Activities
One of the key challenges of the project, led by KGA – Kostow Greenwood Architects, was to equip the two performance spaces with a versatile infrastructure that allows for multiple configurations. To achieve this, Figueras proposed a retractable seating system, enabling the spaces to be quickly transformed according to the type of event. This system equips the two black boxes, spaces designed for artistic creation and experimentation.
The main hall features 199 seats, while the smaller one has 99 seats, both equipped with the Minispace 5071 model, a compact and ergonomic chair, ideal for telescopic seating and high-use environments. Its folding mechanism operates smoothly and silently, ensuring a quick transition between configurations. Additionally, Delta 430 chairs have been incorporated into the first row to expand capacity, providing added flexibility and allowing the seating arrangement to be adjusted according to each event’s needs.
Maximum Profitability and Space Optimization
The implementation of telescopic seating systems at the Victoria Theater has significantly enhanced the functionality of the venue, enabling the same space to host theatrical performances, concerts, banquets, or exhibitions without requiring structural modifications. This solution maximizes space profitability by facilitating a more diverse program and increasing the frequency of events and activities.
The Apollo Stages at the Victoria Theater in New York is a prime example of how Figueras’ retractable seating systems can transform a performance venue into a versatile, efficient, and profitable space. With decades of experience in designing seating solutions for theaters, auditoriums, and cultural venues, Figueras continues to offer the best combination of design, comfort, and functionality.
