Take a Tour of the Colorado Historic Opera House Circuit

Tabor Opera House Leadville. | Photo Craig Hensel

The Colorado Rocky Mountains are known for skiing, hiking, rafting, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. However, they are oozing with stories of the past. Through mine tours and museum visits, it is clear that it isn’t just stories, history is alive in the mountains. One way to enjoy both the history and be entertained is to visit one of Colorado’s five historic opera houses. 

Today, there is a Colorado Historic Opera House Circuit, featuring opera houses built between 1878 and 1913 that hosts everything from summer music festivals to theater. Whether you visit for an opera house event or as part of a mountain getaway, knowledge of these five stunning buildings will expand your Colorado experience.

Sheridan Opera House in Winter. | Courtesy of Telluride

Three of the five stay open during the winter months and would be the perfect place to catch a warm show during a snowy ski trip. The farthest one from Denver is the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride, Colorado. The youngest of the five, at 110 years old, Located in one of the nation’s most picturesque towns, history lovers will like the well-appointed Telluride Historical Museum as well.

This winter, the Sheridan Opera House has everything from ski films to theater, to a holiday concert, to comedy and kids shows. As the “Crown Jewel of Telluride,” the opera house seats 238 people and gets big names on stage, including people like Jewel and the late Jimmy Buffet.

Wright Opera House Ouray. | Courtesy of the Wright Opera House

Wright Opera House is located in the charming community of Ouray, just an hour from Telluride. Built-in 1888, this gem mostly shows films during the winter, with a few holiday shows and Murder Mystery Dinners thrown in. However, visitors can always imbibe at The Tavern at the Wright. Plus, this tavern hosts open mic and trivia nights, readings, art shows, and parties.

Always busy, Wheeler Opera House in Aspen has welcomed the likes of Wynonna Judd, John Oats, and Jim Gaffigan. It isn’t just a theater but a community hub where the Roaring Fork Valley gatherers for concerts, music, festivals, lectures, community events, opera, and so much more. No matter when a visitor comes to Aspen, this 134-year-old building probably has an event on the schedule. In many ways, Wheeler Opera House is the cultural heartbeat of this famous town. 

Wheeler Opera House Aspen. | Photo Jordan Curet

Most Coloradans associate Central City with gambling, and it is a gambling town along with a neighboring town, Black Hawk. However, originally a mining village, Central City has a colorful history in which the Central City Opera House plays a major role. 

The building was built in 1878, and used by the miners as a performing arts and cultural space for Central City during the gold and silver rush. After the boom, it fell into disrepair until 1932, when the Central City Opera, the fifth oldest professional opera company in the country, was founded. Renowned for world-class productions and a robust young artist training program, it is at the forefront of keeping the art of opera alive in the Rocky Mountains and the nation.

Wheeler Opera House Aspen. | Photo Hal Williams

The opera festival takes place 35 miles west of Denver, making this the most accessible of the opera houses on this list for those coming from Colorado’s Front Range. Central City Opera House is quiet in the winter, but the 550-seat jewel box opera house comes alive with the sound of music in the summer.

All of the Colorado historic opera houses on this circuit are photogenic, but Tabor Opera House is a personal favorite. Steeped in Colorado’s history, it is an incredible historical asset to Leadville, the country, and the world. Perhaps it is the location that sets it apart, located in the highest-elevation city in North America, or that it is nearly 150 years old. Whatever the reason, Tabor Opera House is in a league of its own. 

Central City Opera House. | Photo Eric Chinn

A building of this age has some wear and tear and today, a multi-year, $15 million rehabilitation is underway. In 2022, the opera house’s Preservation Foundation received the 2022 Endangered Places Progress Award, part of Colorado Preservation Inc.’s annual Dana Crawford & State Honors Award. The building’s importance to Colorado’s story and the nation’s story, cannot be understated and thankfully, this has been recognized. 

Central City Opera House. | Photo Amanda Tipton Photography

While Tabor’s event season runs from Memorial Day to the end of the summer, it will open for Shop Small Saturday on November 25, and during Leadville’s signature event, Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival in March.

For whatever takes you to the Rocky Mountains, the Colorado Historic Opera House Circuit is worth checking out and fitting into your agenda.

Tabor Opera House. | Photo Jenny Buddenborg

Tabor Opera House Leadville. | Photo Craig Hensel