Tabor Opera House: A Glimpse into Leadville's Silver Boom Past

Step back in time at the Tabor Opera House, a beautifully restored performance venue in the heart of Leadville, Colorado. Built in just 100 days in 1879 by silver baron Horace Austin Warner (H.A.W.) Tabor, the opera house quickly became a cultural hub in this booming mining town. The three-story building was constructed with materials brought in by wagon over rough mountain passes and was considered one of the most costly and substantially built structures in Colorado at the time. In its heyday, the Tabor Opera House hosted a wide array of talent, including John Philip Sousa, Oscar Wilde, and actress Sarah Bernhardt. Legend has it that even a circus with live tigers graced its stage, and magician Harry Houdini may have performed his disappearing act through a trap door. The opera house also served as a community center, hosting events and gatherings for the residents of Leadville. Today, the Tabor Opera House is undergoing revitalization, with ongoing efforts to preserve its historic charm while creating a modern cultural space. Visitors can take guided tours to explore the theater, museum, and dressing rooms, and learn about the opera house's fascinating history. The opera house also hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, from musical revues to film screenings. A collection of hand-painted stage scenery dating back to 1879 was discovered in 2020, offering a rare glimpse into the theater's past.