King Opera House

King Opera House is a Victorian theatre in Van Buren's Historic District with two levels of audience seating. The ground floor accommodates approximately 218 patrons while the balcony above provides around 96 additional seats.

The building opened in 1891 and originally housed commercial spaces including the Willard Billiard Parlor and Wallace Saloon & Restaurant on its ground floor. After a fire in 1914, it transformed into a cinema showing silent films before returning to host live theatre performances.

The theatre serves as a gathering place for theatrical productions, musical performances, and community events managed by Arts on Main today. Locals and visitors use the hall to experience live entertainment and connect with others in an intimate setting.

The venue is located within Van Buren's historic downtown area and is easy to find along the main street. The interior is well lit and seating areas are clearly marked so you can quickly locate your spot once inside.

The building still displays features from its silent film cinema era today, including original interior details from that period. These elements remind visitors of when it once dazzled audiences with visual spectacles before returning to live theatre.

Location: Van Buren

Inception: 19 century

Architectural style: Victorian architecture

Address: 427 Main Street, Van Buren, AR 72956

Website: https://vanburencity.org/228/King-Opera-House

GPS coordinates: 35.43655,-94.34136

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:05