Tiffany mosaic tiles discovered during restoration

Archival black and white photographs alluded to its architectural brilliance. But it was only after restoration experts took samplings from the columns, walls and stage arch that the true beauty of the century-old Hudson Theatre in Times Square was revealed - in living color.

Luminescent Tiffany mosaic tiles were exposed after multiple layers of paint and plaster were scraped off.

The historic restoration of the landmark theater, now part of the Millennium Broadway Hotel conference center, began last November. While it was known that the triple-domed stained glass ceiling in the green marble lobby was the work of Louis Comfort Tiffany, the discovery of turquoise, orange and mauve mosaic tiles by the renowned glass designer around the stage arch, box seats, balconies and columns was unexpected and thrilling.

Restorers tested under the paint and plaster before using a combination of chemical strippers and dental tool picking techniques to expose the original decorative finishes that include Roman friezes, Greek key motifs and paint glazes in soft tones of green, ochre and ivory.

"We were looking for stenciling patterns, mosaics, things like that. We were able to reveal some typical Tiffany techniques, such as undercoats with glazes and different kinds of brush treatments,'' said Joan Berkowitz of the Manhattan-based Jablonski Berkowitz Conservation, whose portfolio includes Ellis Island National Historic Site and Radio City Music Hall.

The Beaux-Arts theater was built in 1903 during a burst of theater construction in New York City and the opening of the subway system, a period "that shaped the character of Times Square,'' according to a report by the Landmarks Preservation Commission, which granted it landmark status in 1987. "It survives today as one of the very few turn-of-the-century theaters in the Broadway/Times Square area.''

The Hudson was built by theater producer Henry Harris, who later perished aboard the Titanic. His wife, Rene, who had the dubious distinction of being the last Titanic passenger to be rescued, managed the Hudson for another 20 years, staging more than 90 plays. Among them was the 1929 musical revue Hot Chocolates,' historically noteworthy for music by Thomas "Fats'' Waller and for launching the career of a then little-known Louis Armstrong. Armstrong was hired to play in the pit band and stole the show with his singing of "Ain't Misbehavin'.''

The Hudson operated as a legitimate theater on and off until 1960. After 1960, it narrowly escaped a wrecking ball four times and went through many hands and incarnations, including short stints as a burlesque theater and porn movie house. Today, the Millennium uses the theater for corporate functions and special events.

It is believed that the decorative elements were covered up in the 1930s when the Hudson became the home of CBS Radio Playhouse. The current $2 million restoration is unmasking much of its golden age dazzle.

Tiffany expert Arlie Sulka said that while many Tiffany interiors can be found in nonsecular buildings, "finding secular interiors is unusual. It's a wonderful find,'' Sulka said of the Hudson. "It was preserved beautifully under the plaster.''