© 2022 Colorado Historic Opera Houses Circuit
124 Eureka St., Central City, CO 80427
Phone: 303-292-6700
Email: boxoffice@centralcityopera.org / info@centralcityopera.org
Founded in 1932, Central City Opera is the fifth-oldest professional opera company in the country. It is renowned for exquisite world-class productions, a robust young artist training program, creative education activities, and community engagement.
The annual summer opera festival takes place at 8,500’ above sea level in this Colorado mountain town, only 35 miles west of Denver. There, the company owns and maintains 27 Victorian-era properties, including the intimate 550-seat jewel box opera house.
The summer festival began in 1932 after an extensive renovation of the opera house, and actress Lillian Gish starred in Camille. The annual festival opening is steeped in tradition, with ceremonies for debutantes, bell ringers, and nosegays tossed at the stage.
Revel in opera during a month-long festival in July, in charming Central City. The festival features multiple performances of three thrilling operas or shows each year. In addition to evening performances, the festival includes a variety of events such as family matinees, lunches, dinners, and talks. Guests can even take an opera bus from Denver. See our upcoming events below!
The Gilpin Historical Society offers tours of Central City Opera House, as well as several other historic buildings with intriguing stories, throughout the year.
All tours begin at Washington Hall, across from Teller House
Tour historic Central City for fascinating stories and historic architecture.
Be sure to see the Central City Opera House, built in 1878 and known for its elaborately frescoed ceiling and perfect acoustics. Read the names of Colorado pioneer families and American stage and opera stars carved on the seat backs, including Horace Tabor, Buffalo Bill, Beverly Sills, and Lillian Gish.
See the infamous Face on the Barroom Floor, mentioned in a Three Stooges movie, at the Teller House hotel. This painting was made in secret at midnight by an artist hired for opera house paintings.
Thomas House, rumored to be built around the entrance to a mine, is a Greek Revival-style frame house built in 1867. "Frozen in time," it represents a typical Central City middle class family home from the turn of the 20th century.
St. James Methodist Church, dedicated in 1872, is the oldest operating Protestant church in Colorado. Admire its beautiful stained-glass windows, Eastlake style frescoes, and 1898 Steere pipe organ.
The Weekly Register-Call is the oldest continuously printed newspaper in Colorado. Tour the print shop, used from the 1860s until the early 1980s. Marvel at the antique printing equipment, including a Chicago Taylor Press and a vast collection of fonts.
Visit Central City, Colorado! From museums, galleries, and theaters to casinos, it'll be a visit you won't forget.
Explore local galleries and experience world-class opera all within our beautiful and historic downtown.
From slot machines to table games, try your luck in many of our unique and exciting casinos!
Dig a little deeper in Central City! Experience our rich history via tours, museums, and more.
Enjoy your dining experience in Central City by stopping in for a sweet treat, cold brew, or a hearty dinner!
From campgrounds and historic bed & breakfasts to hotels with amazing views, you’re sure to enjoy your stay.
Hop off the beaten path and enjoy solace and sunshine in many of Central City’s local trails and recreation areas.
