The Academy of Music: A Tale of Two Buildings (And a Whole Lot of Drama)
So, you're wondering what happened to the Academy of Music in NYC? Well, buckle up, because this is a story filled with more twists and turns than a reality TV show.
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| What Happened To The Academy Of Music Nyc |
The Original Academy: A Grand Old Dame
Let's start with the OG Academy of Music. This bad boy opened its doors in 1854 and was the place to be for opera lovers. Think grand chandeliers, velvet curtains, and enough drama on stage to rival a Kardashian family reunion. But, alas, times changed. The Metropolitan Opera opened its doors in 1883, and suddenly, the Academy was old news.
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From Opera to Vaudeville to...Demolition?
Not to be defeated, the Academy pivoted. It went from opera to vaudeville, trying to keep up with the changing tastes of New York City. But even that couldn't save it. In 1926, poof, it was gone, demolished to make way for the Consolidated Edison Building. Talk about a dramatic exit!
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The Academy Reborn (Kind Of)
But wait, there's more! A new Academy of Music rose from the ashes (or, more accurately, across the street). This one was a movie palace, complete with all the glitz and glamour of the roaring twenties. It even had a stint as a rock concert venue in the 60s and 70s, going by the name The Palladium. But, in another twist of fate, it was demolished in the early 2000s to make way for a NYU dorm.
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So, to recap: The original Academy of Music is long gone, replaced by a power plant. The second Academy of Music is now a dorm room. And the only thing left is a whole lot of nostalgia and a few old photos.
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How to...
- How to feel old? Realize that the Academy of Music was around before your grandparents were born.
- How to impress your friends? Drop some knowledge about the Academy's history during your next trivia night.
- How to plan a time machine adventure? Set your coordinates to 1854 and enjoy a night at the opera.
- How to appreciate modern conveniences? Be grateful for air conditioning and not having to dress up to watch a movie.
- How to find peace? Accept that things change, and that's okay.
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