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Coordinates: 39°44′38″N 75°32′55″W / 39.743852°N 75.548649°W / 39.743852; -75.548649
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| name = Masonic Hall and Grand Theater
| name = Masonic Hall and Grand Theater
| nrhp_type =
| nrhp_type =
| image = Grand Opera House Wilmington.JPG
| image = Grand Opera House.jpg
| caption = Cast-iron facade of building
| caption = The Grand Opera House from the northwest
| location= 818 N Market St, [[Wilmington, Delaware]]
| location= 818 N Market St, [[Wilmington, Delaware]]
| latitude = 39.743852
| coordinates = {{coord|39.743852|-75.548649|display=inline,title}}
⚫
| locmapin = Delaware#USA
| longitude = -75.548649
⚫
| locmapin = Delaware#USA
| built = 1871
| built = 1871
| architect = [[Thomas Dixon (architect)|Thomas Dixon]], Charles L. Carson
| architect = [[Thomas Dixon (architect)|Thomas Dixon]], Charles L. Carson
| architecture = [[Second Empire (architecture)|Second Empire]]
| architecture = [[Second Empire (architecture)|Second Empire]]
| added = December 11, 1972<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2009a}}</ref>
| added = December 11, 1972<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|2009a}}</ref>
| governing_body = Private
| refnum = 72000294
| refnum = 72000294
|website = {{url|http://www.thegrandwilmington.org/}}
| nrhp_type2 = indcp
| partof = [[Downtown Wilmington Commercial Historic District]]
| partof_refnum = 10000079<ref>{{cite web |url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/bd30fc01-512d-46d9-a3bb-d318135be185 |title=National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Downtown Wilmington Commercial Historic District |last=McMahon |first=Kevin |editor= |website=[[National Park Service]] |publisher=[[National Register of Historic Places]] |date=September 9, 2016 |orig-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2024}}</ref>
| designated_nrhp_type2 = March 24, 2017
| nocat = yes
}}
}}
The '''Grand Opera House''', also known as '''The Grand''' or '''Masonic Hall and Grand Theater''', is a 1,208-seat theater for the performing arts in [[Wilmington, Delaware]]. The four-story building was built in 1871 by the Delaware Grand Lodge of Masons to serve as a Masonic Temple and [[auditorium]]. The construction cost was $100,000.<ref>[http://www.thegrandwilmington.org/About/History History of the Grand], The Grand website, accessed July 31, 2010</ref> It was designed in [[Second Empire (architecture)|Second Empire]] style by Baltimore architect [[Thomas Dixon (architect)|Thomas Dixon]] and incorporates symbolism from [[Freemasonry]] into the cast-iron facade.
The '''Grand Opera House''', also known as '''The Grand''' or '''Masonic Hall and Grand Theater''', is a 1,208-seat theater for the performing arts in [[Wilmington, Delaware]], United States. The four-story building was built in 1871 by the Delaware Grand Lodge of Masons to serve as a Masonic Temple and [[auditorium]]. The construction cost was $100,000.<ref>[http://www.thegrandwilmington.org/About/History History of the Grand] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100805085936/http://www.thegrandwilmington.org/About/History |date=2010-08-05 }}, The Grand website, accessed July 31, 2010</ref> It was designed in [[Second Empire (architecture)|Second Empire]] style by Baltimore architect [[Thomas Dixon (architect)|Thomas Dixon]] and incorporates symbolism from [[Freemasonry]] into the cast-iron facade. Its central [[pediment]] contains an [[Eye of Providence]].


Historically, the Grand hosted a variety of operas, symphonies, [[Victorian literature|Victorian]] melodramas, [[minstrel show]]s, [[burlesque]], [[vaudeville]], and other exhibitions, including performers such as [[Ethel Barrymore]], [[Buffalo Bill|"Buffalo Bill" Cody]] and [[John Philip Sousa]]. For most of the twentieth century the Grand was operated exclusively as a movie theater, run by [[Warner Bros.|Warner Brothers]] from 1930 and eventually closing in 1967. It was reopened four years later and returned to programming emphasizing [[classical music]], partnering with the [[Delaware Symphony Orchestra]], [[OperaDelaware]], and the [[First State Ballet Theatre]].
Historically, the Grand hosted a variety of operas, symphonies, [[Victorian literature|Victorian]] melodramas, [[minstrel show]]s, [[burlesque]], [[vaudeville]], and other exhibitions, including performers such as [[Ethel Barrymore]], [[Buffalo Bill|"Buffalo Bill" Cody]] and [[Texas Jack Omohundro|"Texas Jack" Omohundro]], and [[John Philip Sousa]]. For most of the twentieth century the Grand was operated exclusively as a movie theater, run by [[Warner Bros.|Warner Brothers]] from 1930 and eventually closing in 1967. It was reopened four years later and returned to programming emphasizing [[classical music]], partnering with the [[Delaware Symphony Orchestra]], [[OperaDelaware]], and the [[First State Ballet Theatre]].


It was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1972 with assertions of both architectural and historical significance. It was argued it is "one of the finest remaining examples of 19th century cast iron architecture in America" and that it has important association with events and persons in Delaware's history.<ref name=nris/><ref name="nrhpinv3">{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=72000294}} |title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: The Masonic Hall and Grand Theater / The Masonic Temple and Grand Opera House |date=July 1972 |author=Robert Dick Stoddard, Jr. |publisher=National Park Service}} and {{NRHP url|id=72000294|title=''Accompanying two photos, exterior and interior, from 1971''|photos=y}}</ref>
It was listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] in 1972 with assertions of both architectural and historical significance. It was argued it is "one of the finest remaining examples of 19th century cast iron architecture in America" and that it has important association with events and persons in Delaware's history.<ref name=nris/><ref name="nrhpinv3">{{cite web|url={{NRHP url|id=72000294}} |title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: The Masonic Hall and Grand Theater / The Masonic Temple and Grand Opera House |date=July 1972 |author=Robert Dick Stoddard Jr. |publisher=National Park Service}} and {{NRHP url|id=72000294|title=''Accompanying two photos, exterior and interior, from 1971''|photos=y}}</ref>


In 1973, management was turned over to a non-profit organization and the building underwent extensive restoration, which was completed in 1976.
In 1973, management was turned over to a non-profit organization and the building underwent extensive restoration, which was completed in 1976.


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Theatre|Delaware}}
{{Portal|Delaware|Philadelphia|Theatre}}
* [[Delaware Children's Theatre]]
* [[Delaware Children's Theatre]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Wilmington, Delaware]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Wilmington, Delaware]]
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==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Grand Opera House (Wilmington, Delaware)}}
{{Commons category|Grand Opera House (Wilmington, Delaware)}}
*[http://www.thegrandwilmington.org/ Grand Opera website]
*[http://www.thegrandwilmington.org/ Grand Opera website]
*[http://www.firststateballet.com/ First State Ballet website]
*[http://www.firststateballet.com/ First State Ballet website]
*[http://www.operade.org/ OperaDelaware website]
*[http://www.operade.org/ OperaDelaware website]
*[http://www.desymphony.org/ Delaware Symphony Orchestra website]
*[https://www.delawaresymphony.org/ Delaware Symphony Orchestra website]
*{{HABS |survey=DE-170 |id=de0265 |title=Masonic Hall & Grand Theater, 818 North Market Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, DE |photos=6 |data=3 |cap=1}}
*{{HABS |survey=DE-170 |id=de0265 |title=Masonic Hall & Grand Theater, 818 North Market Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, DE |photos=6 |data=3 |cap=1}}
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgyLh0ZTdCk Grand Opera House - Wilmington], Wanda Kaluza, video
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgyLh0ZTdCk Grand Opera House - Wilmington], Wanda Kaluza, video
{{Wilmington, Delaware}}

{{National Register of Historic Places in Delaware}}
{{National Register of Historic Places in Delaware}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Former Masonic Buildings in Delaware]]
[[Category:Ballet venues]]
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[[Category:Masonic buildings completed in 1871]]
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[[Category:Performing arts centers in Delaware]]
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[[Category:Opera houses in the United States]]
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[[Category:Music venues in Delaware]]
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[[Category:Buildings and structures in Wilmington, Delaware]]
[[Category:Clubhouses on the National Register of Historic Places in Delaware]]
[[Category:Clubhouses on the National Register of Historic Places in Delaware]]
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[[Category:Theatres on the National Register of Historic Places in Delaware]]
[[Category:Ballet venues]]
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[[Category:Thomas Dixon buildings]]
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[[Category:Second Empire architecture in Delaware]]
[[Category:Dance venues in the United States]]
[[Category:Dance venues in the United States]]
[[Category:Visitor attractions in Wilmington, Delaware]]
[[Category:Event venues on the National Register of Historic Places in Delaware]]
[[Category:Former Masonic Buildings in Delaware]]
[[Category:Historic American Buildings Survey in Delaware]]
[[Category:Historic American Buildings Survey in Delaware]]
[[Category:Theatres completed in 1871]]
[[Category:Masonic buildings completed in 1871]]
[[Category:Music venues completed in 1871]]
[[Category:Music venues completed in 1871]]
⚫
[[Category:Music venues in Delaware]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Wilmington, Delaware]]
[[Category:National Register of Historic Places in Wilmington, Delaware]]
⚫
[[Category:Opera houses in Delaware]]
[[Category:Opera houses on the National Register of Historic Places]]
[[Category:Opera houses on the National Register of Historic Places]]
[[Category:Event venues on the National Register of Historic Places]]
[[Category:Performing arts centers in Delaware]]
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[[Category:Second Empire architecture in Delaware]]
[[Category:Cast-iron architecture in the United States]]
⚫
[[Category:Theatres completed in 1871]]
⚫
[[Category:Theatres on the National Register of Historic Places in Delaware]]
⚫
[[Category:Thomas Dixon (architect) buildings]]
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[[Category:Tourist attractions in Wilmington, Delaware]]
[[Category:Cinemas and movie theaters in Delaware]]
⚫
[[Category:1870s establishments in Delaware]]
[[Category:Individually listed contributing properties to historic districts on the National Register in Delaware]]

Revision as of 21:34, 1 June 2024

Masonic Hall and Grand Theater
The Grand Opera House from the northwest
Grand Opera House (Wilmington, Delaware) is located in Delaware
Grand Opera House (Wilmington, Delaware)
Grand Opera House (Wilmington, Delaware) is located in the United States
Grand Opera House (Wilmington, Delaware)
Standort818 N Market St, Wilmington, Delaware
Coordinates39°44′38″N 75°32′55″W / 39.743852°N 75.548649°W / 39.743852; -75.548649
Built1871
ArchitectThomas Dixon, Charles L. Carson
Architectural styleSecond Empire
Websitewww.thegrandwilmington.org
Part ofDowntown Wilmington Commercial Historic District (ID10000079[1])
NRHP reference No.72000294
Significant dates
Added to NRHPDecember 11, 1972[2]
Designated CPMarch 24, 2017

The Grand Opera House, also known as The Grand or Masonic Hall and Grand Theater, is a 1,208-seat theater for the performing arts in Wilmington, Delaware, United States. The four-story building was built in 1871 by the Delaware Grand Lodge of Masons to serve as a Masonic Temple and auditorium. The construction cost was $100,000.[3] It was designed in Second Empire style by Baltimore architect Thomas Dixon and incorporates symbolism from Freemasonry into the cast-iron facade. Its central pediment contains an Eye of Providence.

Historically, the Grand hosted a variety of operas, symphonies, Victorian melodramas, minstrel shows, burlesque, vaudeville, and other exhibitions, including performers such as Ethel Barrymore, "Buffalo Bill" Cody and "Texas Jack" Omohundro, and John Philip Sousa. For most of the twentieth century the Grand was operated exclusively as a movie theater, run by Warner Brothers from 1930 and eventually closing in 1967. It was reopened four years later and returned to programming emphasizing classical music, partnering with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, OperaDelaware, and the First State Ballet Theatre.

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 with assertions of both architectural and historical significance. It was argued it is "one of the finest remaining examples of 19th century cast iron architecture in America" and that it has important association with events and persons in Delaware's history.[2][4]

In 1973, management was turned over to a non-profit organization and the building underwent extensive restoration, which was completed in 1976.

See also

References

  1. ^ McMahon, Kevin (September 9, 2016) [March 4, 2016]. "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Downtown Wilmington Commercial Historic District". National Park Service. National Register of Historic Places. Retrieved May 26, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  3. ^ History of the Grand Archived 2010-08-05 at the Wayback Machine, The Grand website, accessed July 31, 2010
  4. ^ Robert Dick Stoddard Jr. (July 1972). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination: The Masonic Hall and Grand Theater / The Masonic Temple and Grand Opera House". National Park Service. and Accompanying two photos, exterior and interior, from 1971
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