The Legacy of the Dunbar Theatre

Philadelphia is a city incredibly rich in musical history, and one of its most significant cultural landmarks is the Dunbar Theatre, also known as the Gibson Theatre. Located at S Broad and Lombard Streets in the former heart of Philadelphia’s cultural district, the Dunbar was a pivotal venue for Black entertainment and excellence during the early 20th century.

Originally opened as the Gibson Theatre, it was renamed in honor of Paul Laurence Dunbar, the celebrated Black poet whose work explored themes of racial identity and resilience. In the 1920s and 1930s, the Dunbar became a hotspot for jazz, showcasing legends like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Cab Calloway. This made the theater a vital part of Philadelphia’s jazz scene and contributed to the city’s prominence during the Harlem Renaissance.

Beyond jazz, the Dunbar also hosted a wide array of performances, including vaudeville acts, blues, and early Black cinema. As a platform for Black artists, it provided an invaluable space for creative expression and helped forge a deeper cultural identity for Black Essence during a time of segregation and systemic inequality.

Though the theater eventually closed, its legacy endures. Today, as you stroll through Philadelphia’s streets, take a moment to reflect on the Dunbar’s impact on music and culture. From the sounds of jazz to the fight for civil rights, the Dunbar Theatre was central to shaping the vibrant Black American arts scene that continues to inspire today.

Learn more as well as see additional archival images on The Beat Goes On: The Rittenhouse/City Hall Tour