The National

Located in downtown Richmond on historic Broad Street, The National is a premier performance venue that originally opened in 1923 as a vaudeville and movie palace. Designed by architect Claude K. Howell, this landmark features a striking Italian Renaissance-style exterior and is a cornerstone of the city's vibrant arts district. Following a meticulous 2008 restoration, the theater preserved its ornate interior, which includes intricate plasterwork by sculptor Ferruccio Legnaioli and a signature oval dome. While a major destination for live music, The National is a frequent stop for prominent touring comedy acts. Its stage has a storied legacy, hosting vaudeville legends like Orson Welles and Eddie Cantor in its early years and modern stand-up stars such as Trevor Wallace and Jordan Jensen today. For comedy fans, the venue offers an intimate atmosphere and state-of-the-art production, ensuring an unforgettable night of laughter in one of Virginia's most iconic performance spaces.