The Olympia Theater, a beloved cultural landmark in downtown Miami, is poised for a long-overdue revival. Originally opened in 1926 as a silent movie palace designed by architect John Eberson, it features a ceiling that mimics a starlit night sky and Moorish-style décor. Over the decades, it evolved from a movie house into a performing arts venue, with its history deeply entwined with the city’s cultural growth. But for the last five years, the Olympia has sat empty. Now, the theater that once saw performers from Elvis Presley to Ella Fitzgerald and Luciano Pavarotti perform on its stage might open its doors once more.
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The Miami City Council will vote Thursday, July 24 on a proposal that would see public charter school Sports Leadership Arts Management (SLAM) taking over the title to the Olympia and the adjacent 10-story building on condition of restoring the theater according to historic preservation requirements.
SLAM was founded by music superstar Pitbull, of all people. Well, if anyone cares enough about Miami history to save a historic landmark from disuse, it’s him.
Under the agreement, the City of Miami would deed the theater to SLAM, which would cover the estimated $40 million in repair and renovation costs. The charter would use the theater for community events and student productions, while the building behind it would be used for classrooms.
The newly announced plan would address critical structural repairs, modernize the building's technical systems, and restore its elaborate design. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and city commissioners have emphasized the importance of preserving the Olympia not just as a historic site, but as a site that could host concerts, theater, film, and community events, integrating it into revitalization efforts already underway throughout downtown Miami.
If all goes according to plan, the Olympia Theater could reopen in time to celebrate its 100th anniversary, restored to the splendor that once captivated generations and ready to inspire new ones.