The Apollo has been Harlem’s leading space for concerts and political rallies since 1914 and, with its gleaming marquee, is one of the neighborhood’s most visible icons. Virtually every major black artist in the 1930s and ’40s performed here, including Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday. And to this day it hosts regular concerts by high-profile entertainers. Everyone from Tony Bennett to Usher has played here.

The theatre is most famous, however, for its long-running Amateur Night – ‘where stars are born and legends are made’ – which takes place every Wednesday night. The wild and ruthless crowd is as fun to watch as the performers.

Tours of the interior are only available for groups of 20 or more with advance reservation.