It was built in 1915, partially destroyed by fire in 1974, reopened in 1978, and expanded into a full performing arts complex in 2019.

The theater occupies the interior of the first block of South Potomac Street, and was originally entered through the ground floor of the apartments.

The chief character of the theater, even prior to the 1974 fire that destroyed the front block and main lobby, was to be found in its interior.

Another staircase connects the main floor to the basement level, with another seating area and more restrooms.

The Maryland Theatre opened on May 10, 1915, with live performances, including the Tiller Sisters, a singing and dancing act called "The Big Surprise", and the Guzmania Trio of acrobats.

[1] In 2018, the 1978 lobby, the McBare Building, and the courtyard were demolished to begin an expansion of the Theatre into a Performing Arts Complex, finished and opened in October 2019.

[4] The complex contains an expansive lobby, a cocktail lounge, offices for the Maryland Symphony Orchestra, a VIP suite, a rehearsal stage, and a ballroom.