The Joy Theater

The Joy Theater opened on February 7, 1947, at 1200 Canal Street as one of the first modern movie houses in New Orleans, its art deco facade and neon marquee designed by Favrot & Reed architects to capture postwar optimism. The theater operated as a cinema for over half a century before Hurricane Katrina forced its closure in 2005. A restoration returned the Joy to life in 2011 as a 1,200-capacity multi-purpose event venue, and a 2019 cosmetic renovation further updated the lobby, bars, and concert hall while preserving the original art deco bones. The fixed stage, three permanent bars, and multi-tiered balcony create strong sightlines throughout the room, and the Joy now hosts concerts, comedy, film premieres, and private events.