Mercury Theatre Plaque – New York, New York - Atlas Obscura

Mercury Theatre Plaque

Manhattan, New York

Where the legendary Orson Welles got his theatrical start before "Citizen Kane." 

The plaque, now (perhaps permanently) removed. hadlex (Atlas Obscura User)
22
61
Top Places in New York
Kenka
New York, New York
Hess' Triangle
New York, New York
Relics of the IRT 14th Street-Union Square Subway Local Platform
New York, New York
 See All
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding Mercury Theatre Plaque with additional information or photos.

On an unassuming block just west of Manhattan’s Bryant Park stands a bronze plaque honoring a theatrical and cinematic icon.

On this spot in 1937, actor, director, and producer Orson Welles founded the storied Mercury Theatre with fellow actor and producer John Houseman. Welles would go on to create many legendary stage productions here, including his historic production of Julius Caesar—all before his 26th birthday. 

The block is a fitting place to remember such a diversely talented entertainment icon. The site of the former theater is nestled between the theatre district and Bryant Park, home to one of New York City’s most popular outdoor film series. 

Update as of October 2019: The building is currently undergoing construction and the plaque may no longer be visible. 

Atlas Obscura Experiences

New York City Clock Walk

New York, New York
$25 per person
performances theaters plaques film history
Community Contributors
c
Added By
cait7911
hadlex
SEANETTA
Edited by
hadlex, SEANETTA
Edit this listing
Suggest an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Nikola Tesla Street Corner
0.07 miles
Giant Needle and Button
0.12 miles
One Times Square
0.13 miles
Near This Place
New York, New York

Nikola Tesla Street Corner

Commemorating the spot where the famous scientist fed his pigeons.
New York, New York

Giant Needle and Button

There must be a pun in this haystack somewhere...
New York, New York

One Times Square

This historic address is home to the beloved ball and is an almost totally empty building among the most expensive real estate in the world.
New York, New York

The Secret Entrance to the Knickerbocker Hotel

An unassuming secret door once led to a legendary watering hole.
Related Places
Bo’ness, Scotland

Hippodrome Cinema

This vintage gem is one of the oldest surviving purpose-built movie palaces in Scotland.
Montevideo, Uruguay

Teatro Solís

This beautiful example of neoclassical architecture is one of Uruguay's most treasured cultural gems.
Tampa, Florida

Tampa Theatre

One of the last of the great 1920s movie palaces is a Floridian Greco-Spanish-Persian dreamscape.
Los Angeles, California

The Many Plaques of Buster Keaton Studios

The silent film master's legacy commemorated in all the right and wrong places.