Step into a premier cultural and historical destination at the Lexington Opera House, located at 401 West Short Street in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. Designed by renowned architect Oscar Cobb and built in 1886, this three-story historic gem is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features stone masonry contributed by previously enslaved craftsman Henry A. Tandy.
As one of only 14 operating pre-1900 U.S. theatres with fewer than 1,000 seats, it offers an intimate 19th-century atmosphere while hosting around 85,000 patrons each year. During your visit, you can admire its beautifully restored box seats, twin balconies, and historic details like an preserved Edison light board. Owned and operated by the Lexington Center Corporation, the venue offers a rich variety of entertainment, including professional national Broadway tours, ballets, operas, music, comedy, children's productions, and family shows.
Whether you are catching a Broadway Live show or taking in its storied architecture, you will experience a truly unique piece of American theatre history.
What to see at Lexington Opera House
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and built in 1886
- One of only 14 operating pre-1900 US theatres with under 1,000 seats
- Features stone masonry crafted by Henry A. Tandy
- Restored 19th-century interior with balconies, box seats, and an Edison light board
- Hosts Broadway tours, ballets, operas, comedy, music, and family shows
Visiting tips
Look out for the historically preserved Edison light board on stage, a restored innovation from the theatre's original 1880s design.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Evening
How to get there & what’s nearby
Lexington Opera House is easy to reach on Lexington’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Douglass Park. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lexington travel guide.
See the full Lexington travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.