Long time Broadway resident Harem has a new home on the Hill as well as a new name. Harem Off Broadway is located at 1715 East Olive Way (between Harvard Ave and Boylston Ave) and owner Victoria Aristeo-Landis has big plans for her new space.
“I want to serve Morrocan- style tea, have a movie night, and bring in a Salsa dancers for Salsa classes,” Landis said.
Harem’s move, however, was not planned. We reported that it looked like Harem was going out of business back in February. According to Landis, the landlord declined to renew Harem’s lease because the [he] felt that her shop didn’t fit in with his building.
“It was really heart breaking that I had to leave,” Landis said.
Landis has begun to settle into her new location, using the additional space to offer furniture as well.
Specializing in accessories for the home and body, Harem Off Broadway can also add consignment and events hosting to its repertoire thanks to the new floor plan.
“Our tea room and dance studio are available for private parties, and I’m doing consignment on anything that seems to go with our theme here,” Landis said.
Harem Off Broadway is filled to the brim with exotic and sensual furniture, home furnishings, and accessories from India to Egypt.
Landis plans on continuing on with what made Harem an eclectic spot on Broadway.
“I’m still teaching belly dance classes as well as participating in Blitz Capitol Hill Arts Walk,” Landis said.
Landis, whose dances under the stagename Besma, teaches belly dance classes at Harem on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, and offers one free class to anyone interested in trying it out.
Harem Off Broadway also shares retail space with the Art Attack Theatre Group, Artful Dodger Tattoo, and a still unnamed vaudevillian side show themed salon.
Pierre, the cute poodle who got a lot of attention at Harem’s previous location is back and cuter than ever.
“Tell everyone that Pierre is back.”
The grand opening event will be a wine tasting event put on by CHS sponsor Vino Verite, and is scheduled for late August.
Happy to hear that Harem will continue in its new location. I think Pierre is a dachshund, though, not a poodle.
Go Harem! Love this store and Victoria (Besma) is the best teacher for belly dancing!!! so many beautiful things in the store perfect for treating yourself to something, buying a gift for a loved one or furnishing any room! i surely recommend this store!
p.s. Pierre is no poodle! he is a weener dog :)