One step into the Lexington Opera House and you too will say… OH!
Elegance
The distinctly 19th century flavor found in the original Opera House is one of the most charming features of this restored theatre. 
Plush décor, red velvet curtains, golden ornamental plaster castings adorn the grand stairway, the proscenium and the queen boxes. Six Chippendale-style mirrors, hand-carved walnut door frames and a French crystal chandelier welcome visitors.
Vision
Purchased by the city as part of the Lexington Center, with financial aid provided by The Opera House Fund, Inc., this historic structure was saved from the wrecking ball and reconstruction and renovation began in 1975.
After the Opera House reopened in 1976, the Opera House Fund, Inc., an esteemed group of philanthropists under the leadership of the late W.T. Young and George and Linda Carey, began to provide financial support to local performing arts groups that use the facility for their productions. The vision continues to this day and beneficiaries over the past three decades include Lexington Children’s Theatre, Kentucky Ballet Theatre, Lexington Ballet Company, Lexington Philharmonic, UK Opera Theatre, School for Creative and Performing Arts, Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra and many others. Celebrating over 120 years of service, the current utilization of the Opera House is greater now than it has ever been.
Heritage
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lexington Opera House is known to be one of the premiere performing arts centers in the region. Originally constructed in 1886 after a fire destroyed the original theatre located on the corner of Main and Broadway, the “new” Opera House, designed by Oscar Cobb, opened it’s doors on July 19, 1887 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most well-designed and well-equipped theatres in the nation. From it’s opening until the last stage performance, the Opera House played host to the most famous stage personalities of the times, including Al Jolson, W.C. Fields, Will Rogers, Harry Houdini and many others. The theatre is an outstanding example of Lexington’s early prominence in the arts and helped garner the city’s reputation as “the Athens of the West.”
After its last live performance on October 1, 1926, the Opera House began a long history of use as movie theatre. A false ceiling was installed in 1930 concealing the second balcony, which was abandoned. Over time, the theatre fell into disrepair and was scheduled for demolition in the early 1970s.
The Events
Programming at the Opera House offers something for everyone: ballet, opera, children’s productions, family shows, comedy, music, and professional national BROADWAY tours! Please see the insert for a listing of current scheduled events.
See More Than Just the Show
Our Celebrity Portrait Gallery – located on the First Balcony features photographs of artists who have performed at he Lexington Opera House since the original restoration in 1976. Show posters and historical memorabilia are displayed in Pardy’s Pub – the lower level of the theatre.
Significant Historical Dates & Notable Stage Appearances
January 10, 1900 – Eddie Foy
February 10, 1903 – George M. Cohan
November 10, 1905 – Ethel Barrymore
February 10, 1906 – W. C. Fields
May 30, 1906 – Sarah Bernhardt
April 24, 1911 – William Jennings Bryan
Dates unknown – Al Jolson, Fanny Brice, Eddie Cantor Harry Houdini, Will Rogers
