NATCHEZ — The Margaret Martin Performing Arts Center will keep the touch of Hollywood magic that transformed the auditorium into New York’s Apollo Theater — at least for a year.

Natchez Festival of Music president Mary Lessley said the Mississippi Department of Archives and History agreed to allow the temporary renovations made to the Martin auditorium for the filming of “Get On Up” to stay up for one year.

The temporary renovations to the Mississippi landmark were originally approved by MDAH with the condition they would be taken down within 45 days after filming wrapped at the center. MDAH must approve any alterations to the exterior or interior of landmark buildings.

The Festival of Music board requested MDAH allow the renovations, which included painting, plastering and the addition of two balconies, to stay up after filming for the James Brown biopic finished in Natchez.

Lessley said the festival got word of the extension Friday and said she is thankful MDAH granted an extension, which she said will enhance Festival of Music events in May, as well as allow Natchez to capitalize on tourism “Get On Up” could bolster for area.

Following the release of Taylor’s award-winning film “The Help,” the City of Greenwood capitalized on tourism efforts by creating tours to various locations where scenes were filmed for the movie.

The Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau has already started work on creating tours for “Get On Up” filming locations.

Lessley made the announcement of the MDAH extension Saturday at an open house at the center, where dozens of attendees gathered to see the renovations and hear entertainment from Father Walt and the Funky Friars, pianist Burnley Cook and other musicians.

London native and LSU international student Paromita Saha attended the open house Saturday while in Natchez visiting friends.

Saha said she believes the opportunity to see “Get On Up” filming locations, especially the Apollo set, will draw international visitors to Natchez.

“I know for a fact that my friends from London would love to come see this, the place where the biopic of one of the greatest artists of all time was filmed,” she said.

Natchez native and New Orleans resident Edward Killelea said he believes the renovations will draw people to local event in the auditorium.

“I think people will come just because they want to see this,” he said.

“Get On Up” is set for release on Aug. 1, and Lessley said she hopes the auditorium can be used for events that could be planned to coincide with the film’s premiere.

“It looks so magnificent in here,” she said. “You really do feel like you’re in New York in a theater.”