Grand Opera House, Wilmington (must see)
The Grand Opera House is a four-story theater built in 1871. It was designed by Thomas Dixon in the Second Empire architectural style for the Delaware Grand Lodge of Masons. Originally a theatre and Masonic Temple, the Grand Opera House famously uses Masonic imagery such as the Eye of Providence.
Patrons could see operas, symphonies, vaudeville acts and burlesque theatre through 1930. Warner Brothers ran the Grand Opera House as a movie theatre from 1930 through 1967. Once the movie theatre closed, it reopened to orchestral, opera and ballet performances.
Visitors to Wilmington can view a number of live performances at the Grand Opera House depending on when they are in the city. They can also take part in a group tour by calling ahead and making advanced arrangements. Most will simply enjoy a walking tour that allows them to admire the architecture of the building in a cozy, downtown environment.
The Grand Opera House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Patrons could see operas, symphonies, vaudeville acts and burlesque theatre through 1930. Warner Brothers ran the Grand Opera House as a movie theatre from 1930 through 1967. Once the movie theatre closed, it reopened to orchestral, opera and ballet performances.
Visitors to Wilmington can view a number of live performances at the Grand Opera House depending on when they are in the city. They can also take part in a group tour by calling ahead and making advanced arrangements. Most will simply enjoy a walking tour that allows them to admire the architecture of the building in a cozy, downtown environment.
The Grand Opera House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Wilmington. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Grand Opera House on Map
Sight Name: Grand Opera House
Sight Location: Wilmington, USA (See walking tours in Wilmington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Wilmington, USA (See walking tours in Wilmington)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Wilmington, Delaware
Create Your Own Walk in Wilmington
Creating your own self-guided walk in Wilmington is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Wilmington Introduction Walking Tour
Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware. It lies at the confluence of the Brandywine and Christina Rivers. Wilmington was originally home to the Lenape people. However, the land was purchased from Chief Mattahorn by the Swedish South Company in 1638. They built Fort Christina at the mouth of what would later be called the Christina River.
The Swedish lost control of the Fort Christina... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The Swedish lost control of the Fort Christina... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Quaker Hill and Downtown Historical Buildings
For many visitors to Delaware's Wilmington, the downtown district is the main area of interest.
Indeed, the majority of Wilmington's most distinguished attractions are found here. Steeped in history, this part of the city still carries legacy of its first Swedish settlers much as that of the du Pont family who left a great deal of mark on the town's history. Some of the key local... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Indeed, the majority of Wilmington's most distinguished attractions are found here. Steeped in history, this part of the city still carries legacy of its first Swedish settlers much as that of the du Pont family who left a great deal of mark on the town's history. Some of the key local... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles