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

4.8 (119)

Experience the grandeur of the Wild West at Leadville's Tabor Opera House, a beautifully preserved landmark hosting tours and performances.

Home
Colorado
Leadville
Tabor Opera House

The Tabor Opera House in Leadville, Colorado, built in 1879 by mining magnate Horace Tabor, stands as a testament to the town's silver boom era. This beautifully preserved opera house hosted legendary performers like Oscar Wilde and John Philip Sousa and offers guided tours and performances, providing a unique glimpse into the Wild West's cultural history.

A brief summary to Tabor Opera House

308 Harrison Ave, Leadville, Colorado, 80461, US
Click to display
Click to display

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tabor Opera House.

Check the Tabor Opera House's website for the most up-to-date schedule of tours and performances.
Tours are available from late May to the end of September, Friday through Sunday.
Consider a private tour for a more personalized experience; reservations are required.
The Leadville stop for the free weekend shuttle to Twin Lakes is next to the Tabor Opera House.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Dutch Henry Tubing Hill

Dutch Henry Tubing Hill: Leadville's Winter Thrill

Matchless Mine

Matchless Mine: A Glimpse into Leadville's Silver Boom

Mosquito Pass

Mosquito Pass: A Treacherously Beautiful Drive Through Colorado History

Getting There

Walking

The Tabor Opera House is located at 308 Harrison Ave in the heart of downtown Leadville. From most points in the downtown area, it is easily accessible on foot. The building is on Harrison Avenue, Leadville's main street.
Public Transport

Lake County Transit provides free bus service around the city center on Mondays through Fridays. The transit also provides free bus service between Leadville and Twin Lakes on Saturdays and Sundays. The Leadville stop for the Twin Lakes shuttle is located at 302 Harrison Avenue, next to the Tabor Opera House. Check the Lake County Transit website for schedules and real-time tracking.
Taxi/Ride-share

Ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Leadville. Taxis can also be used to reach the Tabor Opera House. Expect to pay a nominal fee for a short trip within the city.

Discover more about Tabor Opera House

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.