Studio 54: The Star-Magnet of the 1970s

From the moment it opened in 1977, nightclub Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street, New York City, was a magnet for stars.

Fifty years earlier, the building had opened as The Gallo Opera House. CBS bought the building in the 1940s and used it as a TV and radio studio - it was the 52nd building bought by CBS and was called Studio 52.

In 1977, new owners Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager took just six weeks to transform the studio into a nightclub, employing Broadway set designers to create moveable, theatrical sets and lighting.

After only one month, the club was raided and shut down for selling alcohol without a license. Studio 54 had been relying on temporary caterers permits, used to sell alcohol at weddings. Read more...

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