ABOUT THE QUEEN

OUR
CommonWEALTH

HISTORY
of the Queen

1789
The Indian Queen Hotel was built in 1789, popularized by sailors from visiting ships.
July 4, 1797
A celebration of US freedom is held at a space in the hotel know as the Queen of Otaheite Tavern, named after the South Pacific island that had been visited by a Wilmington whaling vessel.
1829
Martin Van Buren, seven years prior
to his Presidential election, visits The Queen
1847
Despite harsh economic conditions, hotel proprietor John Hall doubles the Queen’s capacity by making it three stories high.
March 25, 1871
Artisan’s Bank and the First National Bank of Wilmington buy the Indian Queen as a combination headquarters, but decide to upgrade it to a first-class hotel, the Clayton House, at a price tag of $200,000. An additional two stories were added, bringing the building’s total height to five stories.
1916
The Clayton House gives way to a $250,000 movie theatre with enough seating in the auditorium and on the balcony for 2,000 people.
April 1959
The movie theatre closes, showing House on Haunted Hill as its final film. The Queen remains dark for five decades.
2008
Wilmington-based real estate developers, the Buccini/Pollin Group, and the City of Wilmington discuss restoring The Queen into a fully operational performing-arts venue. A deal is met and fundraising efforts for the $25 million project get underway.
October 2009
Construction begins on The Queen, a 45,000 square foot theatre with a spring 2011 opening data announced.
2010
Benefit concerts held by Light Up The Queen Foundation feature Wilmington resident David Bromberg and New Orleans native Trombone Shorty, who perform on the roof of the nearby ShopRite.
November 2010
Demolition reveals three 10′ x 18′ murals still in excellent condition. Representing beauty, painting, and music, the murals were obstructed by soundproofing panels when The Queen was converted from a hotel to a theatre.
April 1, 2011
The Queen opens its doors. The rest, as they say, is history. Since opening, The Queen has hosted noble artists including: St. Vincent, Ben Harper, Ingrid Michaelson, Bob Mould, Animal Collective, Neutral Milk Hotel, Courtney Barnett, and Biz Markie.
1789
The Indian Queen Hotel was built in 1789, popularized by sailors from visiting ships.
July 4, 1797
A celebration of US freedom is held at a space in the hotel know as the Queen of Otaheite Tavern, named after the South Pacific island that had been visited by a Wilmington whaling vessel.
1829
Martin Van Buren, seven years prior
to his Presidential election, visits The Queen
1847
Despite harsh economic conditions, hotel proprietor John Hall doubles the Queen’s capacity by making it three stories high.
March 25, 1871
Artisan’s Bank and the First National Bank of Wilmington buy the Indian Queen as a combination headquarters, but decide to upgrade it to a first-class hotel, the Clayton House, at a price tag of $200,000. An additional two stories were added, bringing the building’s total height to five stories.
1916
The Clayton House gives way to a $250,000 movie theatre with enough seating in the auditorium and on the balcony for 2,000 people.
April 1959
The movie theatre closes, showing House on Haunted Hill as its final film. The Queen remains dark for five decades.
2008
Wilmington-based real estate developers, the Buccini/Pollin Group, and the City of Wilmington discuss restoring The Queen into a fully operational performing-arts venue. A deal is met and fundraising efforts for the $25 million project get underway.
October 2009
Construction begins on The Queen, a 45,000 square foot theatre with a spring 2011 opening data announced.
2010
Benefit concerts held by Light Up The Queen Foundation feature Wilmington resident David Bromberg and New Orleans native Trombone Shorty, who perform on the roof of the nearby ShopRite.
November 2010
Demolition reveals three 10′ x 18′ murals still in excellent condition. Representing beauty, painting, and music, the murals were obstructed by soundproofing panels when The Queen was converted from a hotel to a theatre.
April 1, 2011
The Queen opens its doors. The rest, as they say, is history. Since opening, The Queen has hosted noble artists including: St. Vincent, Ben Harper, Ingrid Michaelson, Bob Mould, Animal Collective, Neutral Milk Hotel, Courtney Barnett, and Biz Markie.
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F.A.Q.

  • At seated shows in the Knights Bar and Crown Room, we encourage online ordering to minimize time spent retrieving drinks/food at the bar.
  • Guests that are not vaccinated are encouraged to wear a mask at all times when not drinking/eating.
  • Our staff will continue to wear masks until further notice.
  • We will continue to closely monitor CDC and State COVID guidelines to ensure the health and safety of our patrons and staff. 

The Queen’s main entrance is located at 500 Market St, between 5th and 6th street. There is street/metered parking available on Market Street and many parking garages in the surrounding area.

Tickets can be purchased through our website, with Ticketmaster directly, or in person at our box office

The Knights Bar serves as a perfect place to grab a bite to eat before heading into the Main Hall for a show. On Market Street, there are many options for dinner within 2 blocks, including La Fia Bistro, Merchant Bar, Farmer & The Cow, and Bardea.

A tour of the venue can be set up by contacting our Private Events department.

No outside food and beverage, weapons of any kind, or smoking/vaping indoors are allowed in the venue.

Please visit our box office during open hours or contact our box office manager to retrieve your ticket. If it was purchased online, you can always reprint a ticket through Ticketmaster.

Yes, we process refunds for canceled events. Please reach out to our box office manager or visit our box office during open hours.

Certain shows in the Main Hall will have VIP tickets available for purchase online as a separate ticket option.

Yes, photos and videos are allowed unless specifically noted otherwise upon purchasing tickets.

No smoking or vaping is allowed in the venue. It is only allowed in designated areas in the front and/or side of the building.

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Looking for a legendary venue that you and your guests will never forget? Come party at The Queen.

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