African-American history at the Ritz Theater and Museum Jacksonville
The Ritz Theater and Museum is a downtown Jacksonville cultural destination that highlights the city’s Rich Black Culture.
This area of North Florida after the Civil War became a safe haven for freed black people.
In 1887 LaVilla became a part of Jacksonville, home to so many poets, artists, musicians, authors and playwrights that it was known as “the Harlem of the South”.
Located at the intersection of Davis and State streets, the Ritz Theater was originally built in 1929 and designed by architect Jefferson Powell, with a blend of Art Deco, Mediterranean and Egyptian Revival styles.
Today the 426 seat theater is used for variety of music, dance and theatrical productions, as well as movies.
The LaVilla Museum it’s just off the lobby, which holds 11,000 ft of exhibits and it is considered a mecca for African-American culture and heritage.
Almost a century of history down in the Deep South off Route 1.
David Garland FL Jacksonville Apr 23, 2025 History Museums Theaters
Apr 23, 2025
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