Academy of Music Theatre
Celebrating the Past & Securing the Future
Our Vision
Our Story
The Academy of Fine Arts offers the greatest opportunity Lynchburg has ever seen to develop a first-rate cultural arts complex, a renovation of the Historic Academy of Music Theatre.

When complete, the complex promises to be a magnificent anchor for a newly revitalized historic downtown, and a catalyst for continuing economic prosperity for Central Virginia.​​

A Century after the Academy of Music Theatre first opened its doors in 1905, it will, at last, be resurrected.

​​Described as “the prettiest opera house in the State,” this architectural masterpiece has endured numerous highs and lows in its 107-year history. Unfortunately, the facility suffered a major setback with the devastating fire of 1911. Eventually, live performances dwindled and were replaced with movies. Followed by decades of neglect, the Academy closed its doors in 1958. The Theatre, saved from demolition by its placement on both state and national registers of historic landmarks, is now poised to perform again the role it once played so well as the oldest operating theatre in Virginia and the visually and acoustically most splendid theatre in our Commonwealth, and the crown jewel of our city.