Location Detail
Location Name
The Sovereign Performing Arts Center/Santander Performing Arts Center
Location Description
The Sovereign Performing Arts Center was built in the 1870s as a market, with a Masonic Temple on its upper floors. It became the Academy of Music in 1886. The Rajah Shriners purchased it in 1917 to use the building for various activities including vaudeville, motion pictures, and live appearances. The auditorium was rebuilt in 1921 after a fire destroyed most of the facility. Current capacity of the theater is 1,800.
Current Use
Venue for symphonic, opera, ballet, popular music, and theatrical performances. The Berks County Convention Center Authority owns the facility. The naming rights have been purchased by the Santander Bank.
Location Address
136 North 6th Street
Location City
Reading
Location Zip
19602
Latitude
40.33802688238186,
Longitude
-75.92588148463258
Location Attributes
Entertainment Venue