Remarkably Rare Photos From The Infamous Studio 54

The club was housed in a former opera house on West 54th Street in Midtown Manhattan. The founders of Studio 54, Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager, set out to capture New York City nightlife in a way no one else had. Here is a behind the scenes look at some of Studio 54’s hidden secrets in these rarely seen photos.

Brooke Shields was one of Warhol’s many muses and started hanging out at the nightclub when she was only 16. But according to the actress, she managed to stay drug-free and always make it to bed by 10 PM, even after mingling with the world’s most famous people.

The photo was taken at Bianca’s 30th birthday party. The all-white event was hosted by the famous fashion designer, Halston, who was instrumental in creating many of the trends of the Studio 54-era. Steve Rubell even brought out a horse for Jagger to mount, after seeing a photo of her riding one in her native country of Nicaragua.

The photo was taken on June 9, 1977, at a Beatlemania Party, held in honor of the play of the same name that focused on the Beatles and their impact on the culture of the ‘60s. Also in attendance were Studio 54 regulars like Warhol and Mitch Weissman, who also starred in the play.

At the time that the photo was taken, the singer was still in the midst of a long streak of chart-topping albums, which began with Honky Chateau in 1972. So, he clearly had the confidence that he could wear anything and still be let in.

Disco Sally was a 77-year old lawyer who became a Studio 54 regular after her husband passed away. A 25-year-old associate convinced her to check out the club and she ended up falling in love with the disco scene, claiming it gave her a new lease on life.

Originally known as Roller Arena, the Fairy Godmother, Rollerena was well known for skating into gay bars and other popular clubs in Manhattan, including Studio 54, sporting an eclectic collection of hats, rhinestone glasses, and costume jewelry.

But unlike most guests, Trump wasn’t interested in showing off his dance moves. According to the club owner, Ian Schrager, Trump visited the club often but was only interested in socializing, not hitting the dance floor. Not everyone who frequented Studio 54 was there for the love of disco.

Jones’s androgynous appearance and cutting-edge fashion sense helped define the look of the Studio 54-era. She was an accomplished singer, actor, and model who was an important figure in the underground art world of New York in the 70s and 80s. Here she is shown in her element, revealing what made the club so hip and iconic.

If there was anyone who knew how to get on the floor and make the right moves, it was Tina Turner. Not only could she bust a move, she also came to Studio 54 dressed to impress in functional fashion.

Not only were they there to celebrate the night, but clearly, each musician was there to show off an incredible fashion sense. Gold itself couldn’t have shone brighter or have made more of a statement.

It was at Studio 54 that Debbie Harry met Truman Capote for the first time. Surely, one of those wild evenings in Manhattan could have been an inspiration for a song from one of her band’s almost dozen albums. Or perhaps we’re just dreaming.

Brooke Shields remembers her time at Studio 54 fondly, despite her age not necessarily being appropriate for the setting. She apparently had the wherewithal to get home at a decent hour and get a full night of rest. Impressive at any age.

The Jaggers loved the place so much, they celebrated many milestones here in the most extravagant way. The kind of parties they would put on had club goers talking for years to come. What a way to be remembered!

Bianca has refuted coming into the club on top of the horse but admitted to riding one that was already inside. How a horse just casually walked into a busy nightclub, we may never know. However, Bianca was clearly amused by her time with the birds.

With as often as Mick Jagger frequented the club, it’s not surprising that her beauty caught his eye eventually. They went on to form a long-term relationship that brought four of their offspring into the world.

With that type of energy, it’s easy to see why he would show up with another famous rocker, Elton John. The two have carried on a friendship for decades after hanging out at Studio 54, but those times are surely still part of their bond.

That also gave larger than life figures like Stewart the chance to have a wild night with their significant others. Rod Stewart took his then wife, Alana Stewart, to the club throughout their five-year marriage.

A regular person knew they could stand outside the club and see some of the most famous people in the world walk right in front of them. Or, if they were lucky enough to get inside, they might just be able to talk with them too.

From the previous picture to this one, you can tell that as the years passed, he did not seem to tire of the place. In fact, once he met his future wife, the stunning model Iman, he made sure to have her by his side when he went out to dance.

Along with the Village People are acclaimed actresses Jane Fonda and Valerie Perrine, as well as Olympian Bruce Jenner. But who could forget Michael Jackson? That’s a 70s party you’d want an invite to.

When Liza talked about her experiences there, she would share a story about how once her albums were played while she was out dancing. She didn’t know it was going to happen, but it didn’t impact her groove. Liza Minnelli loved the club enough to think it was the perfect place to propose to Elton John. It did not, however, work out.

Since Divine graced us with his presence, the world of drag has never looked the same. When all dressed up, the outfits, makeup, and voluminous hair would be a talking point all on their own. Never has a club looked so fabulous.

When you’re on top of the world, you want that feeling to last forever. So, John Travolta put a focus on “staying alive” so he could keep on with his Saturday night fever. Sylvester was more than happy to accompany him.

It’s clear to see that his sense of style did not end when the director yelled, “Cut!” From this angle, it almost looks like Travolta is about to break out in full-blown disco.

The reality for the actor was that he was actually married to someone else. During the divorce proceedings, Joyce Ingalls was named as “the other woman”. At least they had their memories.

So, while most might think it’s strange to take your mom clubbing, they really are a dynamic duo. Sitting next to them and listening to their stories must have made for a very interesting night.

When remembering his time at Studio 54, Dustin Hoffman spoke candidly about being intimate in a multitude of places. One of his most memorable recollections was being out in the open during a night of partying at the top New York night spot.

Two of the most talked about participants in the show are pictured here. It’s all fun and games until you have to “put up or shut up” when it comes to abilities. It looks like these two are putting in the work to make it a worthwhile experience.

Williams was known for having his wife with him and making the most of every minute the club was open. In order to remain the life of the party, as some may have expected, he turned to other means to keep his energy up.

What these famous figures didn’t realize was that he was taking detailed notes. Years later, he took all their secrets to the pages of his manuscript . Let’s just say it did not go over well.

So, naturally, when she stopped in at Studio 54, she was a sight for sore eyes. She blew the other guests away with her flowy dresses and high spirits. Truly, anyone who got to be in her presence was all the better for it.

So, it was probably easy to become exhausted, especially if you were trying to find a new partner. The odds were stuck against you. The only rational thing to do next is stop for a second and try to catch your breath before hitting up the room again.

Studio 54 is no exception. Perhaps there were people who had too many perspective-altering substances that evening. Perhaps they just dance to the point of return. No matter what, it’s clear that an experience was had.

From scantily clad women dancing in oversized champagne glasses, to inviting wildlife to keep guests company, there were no limits. Management knew that it was the curiosity of what new ideas lie ahead combined with the familiarity of a beloved place that would bring people back. It would also continue providing celebrities with a safe haven.

So, in a pool of famous people looking to blend in with the party, you had the chance to be noticed by proximity. Beautifully dressed people, unknown to the greater public, could be featured by an unassuming photographer on the dance floor.

The search came after Steve was quoted in a local newspaper saying they made over $7 million in their first year. That got the attention of the IRS, and a police raid came shortly after. Both Rubell and Schrager were eventually arrested for tax evasion in 1979 and were forced to sell the club not long after.

You can see the obvious respect and admiration the gentlemen of The Temptations and Bette Middler all had for each other, and the joy they seemed to be feeling to meet each other. Icons to icons!

She does admit to riding a horse that was apparently already in the club. We are super confused how a horse gets into a nightclub, but the proof is in the pudding, as we have Bianca Jagger riding the steed within the club. 

The gym inspired getup is not something you would typically see in a nightclub and is completely befitting of the Studio 54 vibe. 

Cher has maintained her iconic fame and glamorous style to this day, which is no easy feat. But if anyone can do it, it’s Cher!

She is quoted as saying “ I had more fun at Studio 54 than in any other nightclub in the world,” in an interview with Vanity Fair.

The party was in 1979 and had an array of stars and celebrities. Fun times. 

Grace Jones performed at Studio 54 on January 1st, 1978 in what we are sure was a transcendent and fun experience for all who got to witness. 

It is not surprising that the swinging nightclub enjoyed raging parties on any event that they could manage, especially one that involves crazy costumes and wild nights. 

The photograph was taken in February of 1980.

Steve was often the one to determine whether or not someone was cool enough to enter the venue, making the final verdict. 

This photo was taken at the post-premiere party for the opening of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band movie in 1978. 

The woman is seeing dancing and singing along to the music, taking in the nightlife and fun around her.