City Opera House

City Opera House is one of forty-eight opera houses built in Michigan in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Affectionately known as “The Grand Old” Lady, this regional treasure opened in 1892. Today only seven of these historic Victorian structures are open statewide. Of these, only the magnificently-restored City Opera House in downtown Traverse City features two world-class Performing Arts series featuring professional national-touring artists, multiple arts education programs for learners ages 8-18, and hosts an active schedule of public and private community events year round. The City Opera House is proud to partner with Michigan State University's renowned Wharton Center for Performing Arts to present the Performing Arts and LIVE at the Opera House series downtown Traverse City. Today, the City Opera House is a destination attraction for quality arts and cultural entertainment, arts education, and public and private gatherings. Community-sponsored events, including the National Writers Series, the Traverse City Film Festival, conferences, weddings, proms, family reunions are scheduled in this historic venue, The 680-seat theater’s functional design provides the flexibility to clear the main floor of seating for large gatherings. Unparalleled Victorian charm, superior acoustic quality, and an accessible location all add up to a unique public environment in downtown Traverse City. MISSION STATEMENT To promote and nurture City Opera House as a regional hub for connecting people to the arts and each other.