The Rich History of the Ritz

May 9, 2022
by
1 min read

Jay Mafela

Located in LaVilla, the Ritz Theatre and Museum is not only a gorgeous venue for concerts and theatrical productions but also serves as a tribute to the lives and contributions of local African-Americans.

The Ritz stands on the same spot as the movie theater of the same name built in 1929. At the time, LaVilla was considered by many to be the “Harlem of the South,” attracting performers including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and a young Ray Charles. The original building was eventually torn down with the new Ritz opening in 1999. Today, it no longer acts as a movie theater and shows more live performances. From theater shows to chorus and dance recitals, the Ritz has something for all types. It also has a giant lobby that is often used for private events such as parties and big ceremonies.

The new building also includes a museum to share glimpses into the lives of African-Americans in Jacksonville in the 1950s and 1960s. Clothes, documents, furniture, trophies, even actual signs and parts of buildings were donated by members of the community to be put on display. The museum also features a recreation of a street scene of LaVilla where visitors turn a corner and are transported back to the ’60s.

It’s not enough to say the Ritz teaches history; the Ritz is history. The Ritz stands on Davis Street, a mere block away from where the Great Fire of 1901 started. Arthur Blake, better known as Blind Blake, performed the first recorded piece of blues music right on the same street. 

“If you were to look through the eye of history, this area in particular is so rich,” said Vanessa Davis, marketing manager for the Ritz Theatre and Museum.

The museum has a special permanent exhibit focusing on the lives and works of Jacksonville native sons, brothers James Weldon and John Rosamond Johnson, who co-wrote “Lift Ev’ry Voice.” As part of the exhibit, animatronic versions of James and John talk about the song and how it grew into a national anthem. The works of contemporary local artists are highlighted in rotating exhibitions.

The museum has plans to add exhibits covering other major points in Jacksonville history such as the Great Fire of 1901. Along with that, there are plans for programs with speakers that go into depth on specific events.

“We’re just trying to reach out to the community and get people back in here,” said Davis. “We are that next step up. It’s not a church basement, it’s not the T-U or Daily’s Place, but we’re that middle, community-based business that people can come to and just enjoy themselves.”

Folio is your guide to entertainment and culture around and near Jacksonville, Florida. We cover events, concerts, restaurants, theatre, sports, art, happenings, and all things about living and visiting Jax. Folio serves more than two million readers across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, including St. Augustine, The Beaches, and Fernandina.

Current Issue

Recent Posts

SUBMIT EVENTS

Submit Events

Advertisements

Welcome to Rockville 2025
SingOutLoadFestival_TheAmp_2025
omaha-steaks-banners

Date

Title

Current Month

Follow FOLIO!

Previous Story

Jazz Fest

Next Story

May Film Reviews

Latest from Community

Sea Turtle Nesting Season

Words by Kaili Cochran We’ve all heard the phrase “save the turtles.” It’s been an echoing phrase for over a decade now after a video of a marine biologist pulling a 12 cm long plastic straw from a turtle’s nostril went viral and brought awareness to plastic and pollution

Ways to Celebrate Moms in May

Words by Kaili Cochran Moms have a way of working their magic, making what they do seem effortless. Whether it’s the breakfast that’s already made when you wake up in the morning or somehow always having clean clothes. When we were younger, we didn’t really think about it, it

Spinster Abbott’s: A Jack of All Trades

What was once an 1945 Indian River Fruit stand is now an eclectic soul’s paradise Words by Carmen Macri  Spinster Abbot’s is a one-stop playground where creativity and community collide. Walking through the space feels like stepping into a reimagined Florida five-and-dime, filled with character at every turn. You’ll

The Bear

Words by Amiyah Golden Our fears are often instilled through genetic predisposition, trauma or the apprehensions that arise from unexplored curiosities. We often shiver at ghost tales, nightmares and the thought of apex predators lurking in the distance. But we’re typically able to self-soothe our unease with the notion

THE ILLUSIONISTS will add magic to your season

This Tuesday, for one night only, the record-breaking THE ILLUSIONISTS-MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS will be onstage at the Performing Arts Center in Jacksonville.  Having originated on Broadway, the show features rotating performers who have wowed audiences around the world since 2012. Multi-award-winning Chris Cox – The Mentalist  – has performed
July 5th Cleanup
GoUp