22 photos that show the grit and the glamour of Studio 54, New York City's most infamous club

AP/Richard DrewElton John pulls his pants legs up to dance the night away.On April 16, 1977, crowds of hip revelers cheered as nightclub Studio 54 first opened its doors at a building on 54th Street in New York City.

It would only be open in its original form for 33 months, but it soon became known as one of the hottest and most exclusive clubs in town, making a whopping $7 million in its first year alone.

The space would later be adapted into a theater, but Studio 54's party scene in the '70s and early '80s will forever be remembered for its wild nights, high-profile guests, and massive crowds.

We've put together a collection of photos that will take you back 40 years into the club.

Talia Avakian contributed reporting to an earlier version of this article.