Central City Opera House

Central City Opera House is a performance venue built in Renaissance Revival style within a former mining town. The interior features a crescent-shaped balcony, arched windows, and a painted ceiling medallion depicting the sky, creating a classical theater environment.

The building was constructed in 1878 by Welsh and Cornish miners who had brought prosperity to the area. After mining declined, it served as a cinema in the early 1900s before being revived as an opera venue in the 1930s.

The opera house has always been a gathering place where the local community came together to celebrate the wealth brought by mining prosperity. Today, visitors experience classical music and theatrical performances in a space that remains central to the town's cultural identity.

The building stays naturally cool in summer thanks to a creek flowing through a specialized flume system beneath the foundation. With seating for approximately 550 people, the intimate size creates good acoustics and keeps visitors close to the stage action.

Since 2000, the house has presented all operas in their original languages, moving away from its previous decades-long tradition of English-only performances. This artistic choice has drawn opera lovers from across the region who value the authentic sound of international works.

Location: Central City

Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture

Capacity: 550

Address: 124 Eureka Street, Central City, CO 80427

Website: https://centralcityopera.org

GPS coordinates: 39.80122,-105.51357

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:04