Niblo's Garden

Description

Established, 1823

Niblo’s Garden, originally opened as Columbia Garden in 1823, was a popular theater and pleasure ground in SoHo. The admission to the garden in August 1829 was fifty cents, sufficient to keep out the riff-raff.

Built, 1834

It became known as Niblo’s under William Niblo, a coffeehouse proprietor. The site was once a part of the Bayard farm. It was sold in lots and purchased by Jeremiah Van Rensselaer. Prior to Niblo's acquisition of the land, a circus called the Stadium occupied the ground.

Burned, Sept 18, 1846

The venue evolved over time, enduring two fires and reconstructions. It gained lasting fame on September 12, 1866, when it premiered The Black Crook, widely regarded as the first modern musical theater production, blending story, music, and dance into a unified work. Want to explore its influence on Broadway history?

Reopened, 1849

Seats were sold at $2 each.

Destroyed, 1872

Destroyed by fire a second time.

Rebuilt, 1872

It was rebuilt by the department-store magnate A. T. Stewart.

Final Performance, Mar 23, 1895

The final performance at Niblo's Garden was given on March 23, 1895. A few weeks later the building was demolished to make way for a large office structure erected by sugar-refining titan Henry O. Havemeyer. Only a bit earlier he had purchased the Metropolitan Hotel and the theater.

Related People & Organizations

Nicholas Bayard,The site was once a part of the Bayard farm.

P. T. Barnum,In 1835, Niblo's Garden hosted P. T. Barnum's first ever exhibition, marking his entry into show business.

Stephen Van Rensselaer III,It was sold in lots and purchased by Jeremiah Van Rensselaer. Stephen Van Rensselaer III was the son of Jeremiah's first cousin.

Related Sites

Metropolitan Hotel

Images

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Drawings and documents

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1836 - Showing each building from the Hygeian Depot corner of Canal Street to beyond Niblo's Garden

Niblo's Garden Theatres

View of the interior of the opera house, at Niblo's Garden

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