Encore for the Hippodrome

Everything old is new again-including Baltimore's fantastic performing arts center on Eutaw Street.

Long before the curtains go up, there's a fantastic show to behold at the historic Hippodrome Theatre in downtown Baltimore.

The goddess Athena waltzes across the ceiling. Garlands of fruits, vegetables, and flowers wreathe the light fixtures and trail down the door facings. It's a feast for the eyes that's available long before an actor ever sets foot on the stage, so get to the theater early.

A Palace Restored

This opulent 2,248-seat theater sits at the heart of Baltimore's new France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, a complex that bridges the city's past and present.

It took more than 18 months to restore the Hippodrome to its grandeur. The team re-created ornate plasterwork and replicated elaborate stenciling. Whole sections had to be completely rebuilt.

More Than Money

Architects on this project had the added challenge of seamlessly linking three historic buildings that, though they sat side by side, had no relationship to each other. The redevelopment of this city block on Baltimore's west side has been the catalyst for additional development. What's more, it has returned a treasured jewel to local residents.

Hippodrome Theatre: France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, 12 North Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201; (410) 837-7400 or www. france-merrickpac.com. Now showing: Golda's Balcony, May 9-21. Call TicketMaster at (410) 547-7328, or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation May 2006
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