Sarasota Opera House

The Sarasota Opera House is an opera house in downtown Sarasota featuring Mediterranean Revival architecture with graceful lines and decorative details. Inside, the auditorium seats over 1,000 patrons and a three-story atrium is crowned with a striking chandelier that draws attention from the moment you enter.

The building opened in 1926 as Edwards Theatre and later hosted notable performers including Will Rogers in 1927 and Elvis Presley in 1956. It eventually became dedicated to opera and evolved into the home of the Sarasota Opera Association.

The house hosts the Sarasota Opera Association, which presents classical opera productions and seasonal festivals that attract patrons interested in vocal performance and theatrical storytelling. The venue has become a cultural gathering place where audiences experience live music and dramatic performances throughout the year.

The house is conveniently located in downtown Sarasota and can be reached on foot from many nearby spots, with parking available in the area. Arriving early allows you to explore the surroundings and find a comfortable parking option before your performance begins.

The building underwent extensive renovation in 2008 that uncovered hidden architectural elements from its original construction. An interesting detail is the chandelier in the atrium, which came from the film Gone with the Wind.