Orson Welles
New York, New York, New York
Marker Inscription
Mercury. Why, man, he doth bestride the world like a Colossus... - William Shakespeare. On this site in 1937, legendary American actor - writer - director - producer Orson Welles founded the Mercury Theatre with John Houseman. Here Welles directed groundbreaking productions of Julius Caesar, The Shoemaker's Holiday, Heartbreak House, and Danton's Death. Welles and The Mercury would go on to make history with The War of The Worlds broadcast and Citizen Kane. Astonishingly, he would accomplish all this by his 26th birthday.
The Story
In 1937, Orson Welles and John Houseman founded the Mercury Theatre on this Manhattan site, staging daring, modern-dress productions like their famous fascist-tinged Julius Caesar. From this company sprang the notorious 1938 War of the Worlds radio broadcast and, soon after, the film Citizen Kane. Welles achieved this whirlwind of innovation before he had even turned 26.
Why it matters
The Mercury Theatre reshaped American stage, radio, and film, making it a landmark in the nation's cultural history.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- 81 Leonard Gallery2.8 mi away
- Gerben Fine Art2.8 mi away
- Bureau2.9 mi away · 112 Duane Street
- Hall des Lumières3.0 mi away · 49 Chambers Street, New York, NY
- Cloud Gallery3.0 mi away
- MĒRCER LABS3.3 mi away · 21 Dey Street
Attractions
- The River Project Wetlab2.3 mi away
- FDNY Ladder 82.7 mi away · 14 North Moore Street, New York
- Dream house2.7 mi away
- Cortlandt Alley2.7 mi away
- Chinatown2.8 mi away
- Textile building2.8 mi away
Food & drink
- Maman3.7 mi away
- Sweetgreen3.7 mi away
- Semicolon Cafe3.8 mi away
- Greene Hook Bar & Kitchen3.8 mi away
- Bluestone Lane3.8 mi away
- Rumi Turkish Grill3.8 mi away
Places to stay
- Conrad3.2 mi away · 102 North End Avenue, New York
- M Social Hotel New York Downtown3.3 mi away · 55 Church Street, New York, NY
- Residence Inn New York Downtown Manhattan/World Trade Center Area3.4 mi away · 170 Broadway, New York, NY
- Holiday Inn3.4 mi away · 51 Nassau Street
- World Center Hotel3.4 mi away · 144 Washington Street, New York, NY
- Club Quarters Hotel at World Trade Center3.4 mi away · 140 Washington Street, New York, NY
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Orson Welles
- · John Houseman
Related events
- · Founding of the Mercury Theatre
Themes & tags
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