Invitation for Studio 54 Premiere Party on April 26, 1977

Studio 54 sent out this invitation for the venue opening party on April 26, 1977. Initially, model Uva Harden discovered the former Manhattan opera house venue and had dreams for the space but encountered obstacles finding investors. He turned it over to entrepreneurs Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, who had already broken into the club scene with their venue Enchanted Garden. On Studio 54’s opening night, the dance floor was filled with such celebrities as Cher (b. 1946), Brooke Shields (b. 1965) and Margaux Hemingway (1954 – 1996). Entrance to Studio 54 was in such great demand that a thousand people crowded outside the club to gain entrance.  

The club debuted when Disco music and dancing were gaining popularity and soon was renowned for hosting famous and often infamous events. The club became nationally known, even launching its own line of jeans. But it all went under when a police raid uncovered bags of hidden cash in Studio’s walls, and club owners were convicted of tax evasion. Stories of open drug use, private rooms and other scandals became commonplace. The club survived until 1986, and is now synonymous with Disco music and night club culture of the time.