Mercury Theatre Plaque – New York, New York - Atlas Obscura
What's near me?

Manhattan, New York

Mercury Theatre Plaque

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

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. 

Know Before You Go

The plaque is visible to the public and accessible 24/7.

Visit New York State with Atlas Obscura Trips

Only in Queens: Tasting Our Way Through New York’s Most Diverse Borough

Manhattan may have name-brand recognition and Brooklyn a certain cachet, but Queens is the city’s largest and most diverse borough. Join us, October 4-7, to dig into Queens’ rich neighborhood life.

Learn More »
performancestheatersplaquesfilmhistory
Community Discussion
  • No Comments Yet
    • Start the discussion.
Near This Place
New York, New York

Nikola Tesla Street Corner

Commemorating the spot where the famous scientist fed his pigeons.
Alicia Bones Added by Alicia Bones
New York, New York

Giant Needle and Button

There must be a pun in this haystack somewhere...
Oliver Hong Added by Oliver Hong
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.
meganmichelle Added by meganmichelle
New York, New York

The Secret Entrance to the Knickerbocker Hotel

An unassuming secret door once led to a legendary watering hole.
Luke J Spencer Added by Luke J Spencer
Related Places
Bo’ness, Scotland

Hippodrome Cinema

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

Teatro Solís

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

Tampa Theatre

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

The Many Plaques of Buster Keaton Studios

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