Banvard’s Museum was built by John Banvard, who opened it in 1867 as a dime museum-theatre. Banvard sold the building the following year, and it was renamed for the new owner, Wood, who mounted musical Victorian burlesque and other productions of light musical comedy. Banvard regained control of the theatre in 1876 and renamed it the Broadway Theatre. John Banvard (November 15, 1815 – May 16, 1891) was a panorama and portrait painter known for his panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley. He was a pioneer in moving panoramic paintings. Augustin Daly acquired the Banvard’s building in 1879 and renamed it for himself. There, he operated one of the last stock companies in New York City, presenting Edwardian musical comedy and other works. Daly died in 1899 and, for a time, the theatre was operated by the Shubert family. After 1912 it was operated as a burlesque house. For the last few years before it was demolished in 1920, it was used as a cinema.