The Grand Opera House

The Grand Opera House was built in 1889, and began a long life of entertaining the people of Dubuque with "Carmen" in August of 1890. Since then the Grand has been the home to many forms of entertainment. Many people remember seeing movies in the historic building as recently as the 1980s. Since the purchase of the theater in 1985 by the Barn Community Theater, the community has rallied to support the return of live entertainment at the Grand Opera House. The labor of dedicated volunteers along with donations large and small from hundreds of area residents, companies and corporations have restored the theater to its original grandeur. Over the past 30 years major renovations have earned the Grand a place on the National Register of Historic Buildings. In recent years the addition of the elevator, the restoration of the orchestra area, the installation of the chandelier significant investment in the sound and lighting systems have contributed to making the Grand both a historic treasure and modern venue for theatrical productions.

Today, the Grand Opera House is a Community Theater serving the Greater Dubuque Area. Producing 5 plays and Musicals each year along with one youth production each summer, and 1 to 2 ballets each year, the Grand relies on a dedicated group of volunteers to perform, build, and staff each show. In addition to the self produced shows presented the Grand also offers live music, comedians, magicians, and a plethora of other forms of entertainment. There truly is something for everyone at the Grand!

The continued support of the community allows us to bring a variety of programming to the Opera House, and keep our productions accessible to the public.

Testimonials

"Drove from Milwaukee to see Joe Diffie last night. Great show, great venue and great atmosphere. Thank you" ~D. Thompson
"The She Loves Me play was very high caliber and provided us with a wonderful evening of entertainment!' ~C. Busch
"The Nutcracker was outstanding, wonderful choreography, music stage set, and costumes. Very professionally done." ~J. Boge
"Volunteering at the Grand has allowed me to see and experience the good that Theater does for the community." ~M. Rabagia