Syria Mosque
| Syria Mosque | |
|---|---|
Photo of Syria Mosque taken c. 1913-1920 by Edward J. Shourek. | |
| General information | |
| Status | Demolished in 1991 |
| Type | Performance venue |
| Architectural style | Exotic Revival architecture |
| Address | 4400 Bigelow Boulevard |
| Town or city | Pittsburgh, PA |
| Country | United States of America |
| Coordinates | 40°26′44″N 79°57′23″W / 40.445557°N 79.956347°W |
| Completed | 1911 |
| Inaugurated | 1916 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architecture firm | Huehl, Schmidt & Holmes |
| Known for | Birthplace of network television |
| Other information | |
| Seating capacity | 3,700 |
Syria Mosque was a 3,700-seat performance venue located in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Constructed in 1911 and dedicated on October 26, 1916, the building was originally built as a "mystical" shrine for the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (the Shriners) and designed by Huehl, Schmidt & Holmes architectural firm of Chicago. It was recognized as one of the best examples of Exotic Revival architecture.
Located at 4400 Bigelow Boulevard, it held numerous events over the years, mainly highlighted by concerts of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and numerous internationally recognized music performers, as well as comedians and political rallies and speeches. In addition to the main theater, events also took place in the building's smaller "Syria Mosque Ballroom" space.
The Medinah Temple in Chicago (constructed one year after this building by the same firm) is a similar building still in existence (though now converted to retail space).
Despite community efforts to have Syria Mosque designated a historic landmark, the building was demolished August 27, 1991.