Just a short distance from Lake Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe Village once had three spots that drew crowds from across Orlando: the Aquaseum, the Coliseum, and the Boliseum. Long before the neighborhood became known for events, local restaurants, and retail, these venues were where people came together for entertainment, fun, and social life.

In the 1920s, the Aquaseum included one of Orlando’s first public swimming pools, drawing swimmers and families from around town. While specific event records are sparse, local memories point to the Aquaseum being a popular place to swim, meet friends, and enjoy warm Florida afternoons before backyard pools were common. Though the Aquaseum itself is long gone, local memories suggest the pool is likely buried beneath what is now the parking lot for KCG Engineering. 

Not long after, the Coliseum opened on December 23, 1926, with a multiday celebration that included variety performances, an indoor light show, and live music from the Tom Danks Orchestra. For decades, the Coliseum was much more than a dance hall, it was a central gathering place. Community organizations used it for events, local youth skated there, and groups like the Orlando Jaycees held annual dances on its floor.

In later years under the ownership of the Kemp family, often referred to locally as “Kemp’s Coliseum”, the venue doubled as a regional concert space. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a range of nationally known performers took the stage at Kemp’s Coliseum, like Johnny Cash, The Who, Alice Cooper and more.

By the mid‑20th century, the Boliseum brought bowling to the neighborhood with its multiple lanes and casual recreation for families and friends. The Boliseum building still stands and now houses Eclectic Interiors and Urban Ashram.

Though some of the original buildings are gone, such as the Coliseum, which was destroyed by fire in 1972 and not rebuilt, their impact remains a part of the neighborhood’s story. Together with the Aquaseum and Boliseum, they helped make Ivanhoe Village a lively destination long before its current Main Street designation.

Today, community members still gather at regular events and favorite local hangs that continue the neighborhood’s long tradition of bringing people together.

Aquaseum, Coliseum & Boliseum Timeline

• 1920s: The Aquaseum opens as one of Orlando’s early public swimming pools and gathering spots for local residents and visitors.
• December 23, 1926: The Coliseum debuts with music, variety performances, and community celebration.
• 1930s-1960s: Events at the Coliseum included hosted dances, basketball games, youth skating, civic events, and concerts under the Kemp family’s ownership.
• Mid-20th Century: The Boliseum brings bowling and family recreation to the district
• 1972: A fire destroyed the Coliseum, and the building was subsequently demolished
• Late 20th Century to today: Most of the original structures have faded, but Ivanhoe continues evolving as a community hub