Grand Opera House, Historic theater in downtown Wilmington, United States.
The Second Empire style Grand Opera House exhibits a cast-iron facade incorporating Masonic symbols, including a central pediment with an Eye of Providence.
Constructed in 1871 by the Delaware Grand Lodge of Masons for $100,000, the building initially served as both a Masonic Temple and performance venue.
Throughout its history, the theater has presented operas, symphonies, Victorian melodramas, minstrel shows, and performances by Ethel Barrymore and John Philip Sousa.
Located at 818 North Market Street, the 1,208-seat theater hosts over 300 events annually, including ballet performances, orchestral concerts, and comedy shows.
The building operated as a Warner Brothers movie theater from 1930 to 1967 before returning to its original purpose as a live performance space.
Location: Wilmington
Architects: Thomas Dixon
Architectural style: Second Empire architecture in the United States and Canada
Address: 818 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801
Website: https://thegrandwilmington.org
GPS coordinates: 39.74390,-75.54860
Latest update: September 20, 2025 21:00
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