7. Gayety Theatre
405 East Baltimore Street
(1905-6, J.B. McElfatrick & Sons, architects)

The oldest remaining burlesque theater in Baltimore, the Gayety was once a major stop on the burlesque circuit, and famous comedians and strippers used to fill the 1,600-seat house. Designed by preeminent theatre designers J.B. McElfatrick & Sons of New York, the Gayety uses Baroque and Art Nouveau ornament in a whimsical way to advertise the entertainment within. For the first half of the 20th century, “The Block” of East Baltimore Street thrived with vaudeville, burlesque and movie theaters, as well as with bars, nightclubs and restaurants. Gutted by fire in 1969, only the facade of the Gayety remains. For more information download the Gayety Theater .PDF file. (223 KB)

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