studio54 elton john pulling up his pantsElton John pulls his pants legs up to dance the night away.AP/Richard Drew
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 more than 30 years into the club.