The theater, built in 1913 and known for its lavish baroque design and rich cultural heritage, has been closed for six years due to a unique development project.

The ambitious endeavor involved hoisting the massive 14-million-pound structure 30 feet above ground, allowing for retail space below and a new hotel above. The developer spared no expense in reviving the theater's grandeur, investing in the meticulous restoration. Now, with its transformation complete, the Palace is ready to reclaim its iconic status.

With its reopening, the Palace has already secured exciting bookings. In October, audiences will be treated to "Tammy Faye," a musical about the renowned televangelist, featuring songs by the legendary Elton John and Jake Shears. However, before that, on May 28, the Grammy-winning Ben Platt will kick off an 18-performance concert residency, showcasing songs from his new album. Platt expressed his excitement, acknowledging the theater's rich history and the palpable energy of those who have graced its stage in the past.

Recognized by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission as one of Broadway's most famous theaters, the Palace has long been an architectural gem and a vital part of the city's cultural fabric. Originally part of an 11-story office tower, the theater has undergone several transformations throughout the years. The latest reincarnation brings the curtain up on TSX Broadway, an impressive 46-story mixed-use development that replaced the previous 43-story hotel.

Preserving the theater's interior, a stunning blend of Baroque and Beaux-Arts styles, was of utmost importance in the renovation process. Meticulous efforts were made to recreate lost elements using historical images, while missing plaster faces were replaced with molds of surviving pieces. The project architects aimed to maintain the theater's timeless charm, transporting visitors back in time with every step.

Not all changes are immediately noticeable, as the renovation team paid attention to intricate details. For example, the lighting booth, once located at the rear of the balcony, was removed to restore the balcony's visual integrity. Spotlights were relocated to an unused attic space, cleverly concealed behind decorative grills. Further improvements were made to enhance the theater experience, including a doubling of restroom capacity by utilizing non-landmarked areas.

The Palace Theater's connection to the entertainment industry is legendary, hosting a plethora of iconic performers throughout its rich history. Renowned names such as Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, Josephine Baker, and Diana Ross have graced its stage. However, no artist is as closely associated with the theater as Judy Garland, with extended runs in 1951, 1956, and 1967. To honor Garland's legacy, the upper lobby now features a collection of memorabilia, along with other historic Palace artifacts. During his upcoming concerts, Ben Platt intends to pay homage to Garland and her daughter, Liza Minnelli, who also left an indelible mark on the theater.

With the reopening of the Palace, theatergoers can expect an improved experience. The theater now boasts a stunning new color scheme, with blue, bronze, and ivory replacing the previous red-and-bronze theme. The seating capacity has been adjusted to 1,648, allowing for wider seats and increased legroom. The Palace also prioritized accessibility, providing additional wheelchair locations and installing elevators to all floors. Furthermore, the front-of-house and backstage areas have been expanded by 10,000 square feet, incorporating new rigging for improved lighting effects and ease of movement for the orchestra and set pieces.

The reopening of the Palace Theater is not only a celebration of its captivating history, but also a testament to the dedication of those who worked tirelessly to preserve its grandeur. As visitors step into the theater, they will be enveloped in the echoes of the past and the palpable excitement of new performances, ensuring the Palace remains an integral part of Broadway's legacy for generations to come.