Exploring Richmond: The Altria Theater

This city-owned theater amid the Virginia Commonwealth University’s campus hosts a variety of events, including Broadway productions, concerts, comedian acts, children’s theaters, lectures, school commencements, and fashion shows, among others. 



Originally named the Mosque Theater, it was the 1918 brainchild of Clinton Williams, the local chapter leader of the ACCA Shriners fraternal organization, according to the theater’s website.  Williams wanted to build a venue to outshine any other Shriner facility while also providing a performance venue for the city. 

The original architectural plans included a 4,600-seat theater, four lounges, six lobbies, 18 dressing rooms, 42 hotel rooms, a gymnasium, locker rooms, a pool, a three-lane bowling alley, offices and a restaurant called “The Mosque Grill,” with a $1.65 million price tag – about $19 million today. 

The City of Richmond purchased the Mosque Theater from the Shriners in 1940, at which point the basement was converted into a training facility for the Richmond City Police Department. In 1994, the city began restoring the theater to its original appearance, though they redesigned the interior to include a grand ballroom, and it was renamed the Landmark Theater in 1995, according to the Library of Virginia. In 2014, the Altria Company provided $10 million for extensive renovations and the building was renamed the Altria Theater. 

The Altria Theater remains one of the best-known and most-striking buildings in Richmond, and ranks among the city's most popular stages. Retex’s Josh & Katelyn Lewis and Andy Connor were lucky enough to see the Hamilton performance at the Altria Theater in April – you could say they were in the room where it happened.

We love getting to know our city’s history and its landmarks better. Meanwhile, if you’re a Richmond homeowner in need of help with your roof, siding, windows, or gutters, give us a call at 804-258-6300. We’d love to provide you with a no-pressure free estimate.