Piper's Opera House, Historic theatre in Virginia City, US

Piper's Opera House is a wooden theatre in Virginia City that was built in 1885 and still serves as a performance venue. The building features a working stage with historical mechanisms and an auditorium that reflects the classical theatre design of that era.

John Piper, a German immigrant who arrived in Virginia City during the 1860 Comstock Lode rush, took over Maguire's Opera House in 1867. That first venue burned in the Great Fire of 1875; its 1878 replacement burned in 1878, and the current 1885 building is his third opera house.

John Piper, a German immigrant who arrived in Virginia City with the 1860 Comstock Lode rush, ran a saloon at B and Union Streets whose profits funded his theatres. His touring "combination companies" carried plays from Virginia City to Reno and Carson City, and by 1874 every major player at his house was on the road to or from San Francisco's California Theatre.

The theatre welcomes visitors on guided tours to explore the historic architecture and stage up close. The venue remains active and hosts regular performances and local events, making it possible to see the theatre in its original purpose.

The theatre served as a training facility in 1897 for legendary boxer Gentleman Jim Corbett before his title match. This unusual use shows how versatile and important the building was to the entire community.