The former federal building, a cornerstone of cultural heritage in Downtown Gainesville since 1911, is facing a significant challenge as its 112-year-old elevator has reached the end of its life and has been permanently closed. The aging elevator has always presented a unique challenge due to the building’s layout, with the main stage situated on the second floor and rehearsal rooms, offices, and the costume shop on the third. Learn More
To ensure continued accessibility to live theatre experiences while awaiting the installation of a new elevator, the Hippodrome is introducing an initiative—“Alternate Access Theatre.” This program will provide an inclusive and accessible theatrical experience for all patrons. Performances will be adapted to take place on our 2nd Stage/Hipp Cinema, located on the first floor, accommodating individuals requiring elevator access or extra assistance with stairs.
Alternate Access Theatre
Each show will feature one or more performances in the cinema, with adaptations made to fit the more intimate space while maintaining the high performance quality you have come to expect from the Hippodrome Theatre.
The performances will take place in the Cinema/2nd Stage located on the 1st Floor of the Hippodrome Theatre and include:
- 4 Accessible Seats (spaces specifically designed for wheelchairs)
- 4 Designated Aisle Seats (with retractable or removable armrests)
Our 1st floor is wheelchair accessible and equipped with ADA-compliant restrooms.
Upcoming Shows
Ebenezer Scrooge’s Big Gainesville Christmas Show
By Gordon Greenberg & Steve Rosen
Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM
The show gives us everything we love about the story of Scrooge, from ‘Bah, Humbug!’ to the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, to Tiny Tim and the Cratchit family.
A traditional Christmas Carol is turned on its head as a group of Gainesvillians desperately try to tell the classic story using only their wits, beach chairs, and beer.
PG 13
Please contact our Box Office to reserve your seats 352-375-4477 or email boxoffice@thehipp.org
More Information and Press Links
The Alligator by Bea Lunardini – January 16, 2024
Historic buildings, modern problems: Gainesville’s oldest buildings
Hippodrome Theatre’s broken elevator reignites debates on historic building preservation
Mainstreet Daily News Article by Staff Reports – January 9, 2024
The Hippodrome to host historic building panel and discussion
Report by Alexus Goings – January 8, 2024
Hippodrome Theatre’s 112-year-old elevator out of service causing performance difficulties
Hippodrome Theatre – January 8, 2024
Press Release: Panel Discussion on the Preservation of Gainesville’s Historic Gems
Gainesville Sun – Article by Ron Cunningham
The Hippodrome elevator, age 112, is out for now. Here’s how the theater will adjust.
Download Article here
Hippodrome Theatre – January 5, 2024
Press Release: Historic Buildings come with Historic Challenges
The Hippodrome’s Elevator Replacement Project