historic photograph lexington opera house

With less than 1,000 seats, the venue currently serves an average of 85,000 patrons annually, and remains a premier cultural destination in downtown Lexington. 401 W Short St Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 233-4567 Built in 1886, the Lexington Opera House is the crown jewel of Lexington, KY’s downtown historic and arts district. The distinctly 19th century ambience is one of the most charming features of the restored theatre. The facility is owned and managed by Lexington Center Corporation. It was scheduled to be destroyed when an esteemed group of local philanthropists established The Opera House Fund to raise the necessary funds for the city of Lexington to purchase and restore the historic structure.

By the late 1960’s the venue had evolved from a grand theatre, to a Vaudeville house and finally a movie theatre. Originally constructed in 1886 after a fire had destroyed the original theatre located on the corner of Main and Broadway, the “new” Opera House, designed by Oscar Cobb, opened its doors on Jand quickly gained a reputation as one of the most well-designed and well-equipped theaters in the nation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lexington Opera House is one of the premiere performing arts centers in the region. - International Collegiate Quartet Competitors.- International Senior Quartet Competitors.

Historic photograph lexington opera house