Virginia Repertory Theatre – The November Theatre

The November Theatre is the state's oldest major stage house and a linchpin in Virginia history. It operates today as the home of Virginia Repertory Theatre and as a living museum of the roles this landmark has played in Central Virginia's cultural life. With four venues, an educational touring arm and an annual audience of more than 550,000, Virginia Rep is one of the largest performing arts organizations in the region.

Built by Moses Hofheimer with an interior designed by Italian artist Ferruccio Legnaioli, it opened in 1911 as the Empire Theatre. It was Richmond's first “air-conditioned” theatre: blocks of ice were placed beneath the stage at the mouths of small tunnels under each aisle, and electric fans sent chilled breezes up through floor vents at the end of each row.