The Ritz Theatre opened to a massive crowd in September 1929. It was designed by architect Jefferson Powell with a blend of Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Egyptian Revival architectural styles.

The Ritz was built by Neil Witchen, Sr. for a group of local theater investors: Lionel D. Joel, Joseph Hackel, Raymond Yockey, Sr. and Dave P. Myerson. From 1929 to 1954, Joseph Hackel was the sole owner-operator.

Closed in 1971, the theater was partially demolished and renovated into an African American cultural center as a part of the River City Renaissance urban renewal plan. The $4.2 million project included a 426-seat theater and museum that housed both a permanent exhibit dedicated to African American history and life in Northeast Florida and a series of traveling exhibits.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, a 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner and icon of civil rights and freedom for Africans the world over, led a blessing ceremony on the grand opening day. Today, the Ritz Theater is LaVilla’s primary performance venue.