The Grand was rededicated two years later, in what prominent Delaware historian Carol Hoffecker described as “the most spectacularly successful preservation effort in Wilmington’s history.” Excited citizens flooded in and plans for its renovation were unveiled. Just before Christmas 1971, for its hundredth anniversary, the Grand Opera House reopened its doors. “To destroy it would be a crime, to restore it would be a triumph,” trumpeted one news anchor. Prominent citizens of Wilmington wouldn’t have it. In the early twentieth century it became a movie theater, but as the decades wore on and competing venues started eclipsing it in sales, it was forced to close in 1967. (For example, there are five sections to the facade, each with three arches and three keystones.) Though ownership has changed hands, the Masons still have offices in the building.Īs a performing arts center, The Grand has hosted thousands of entertainers, from vaudeville shows to world-class symphonies.
The entire facade is created from cast iron that was painted white, to imitate marble, while the architecture references the numbers 3, 5, and 7, all significant in Masonic symbolism. It was originally a temple for the Grand Lodge of the Masons-hence the Masons’ imagery that still adorn its exterior, and the Eye of Providence at its center. "Grand Opera House Interior".For almost 150 years, the Grand Opera House has stood as a landmark and a source of both nightlife and pride for the people of Wilmington, Delaware. The building was finally closed on Novemand demolished." It became the Grand in 1937, the Granada in 1937 and the Downtown Theatre in 1951. From the 1930s onward it was in a steady decline as a live venue and was turned into a movie theatre. In 1926 a fire destroyed the stage, scenery, orchestral equipment and fly-gallery. As Vaudeville declined as the movies flourished the Grand Opera House also declined. It was one of the houses on the Vaudeville circuit between Buffalo and Toronto so it was always busy. Many famous acts appeared at the Grand Opera House including comedians, tragedians, ballerinas, opera stars to name only a few. The theatre was designed to seat 1,169 people. It had cost $25,000 and was a combination of Gothic and Eastlake styles. "Based on a theatre design of an existing theatre in Toronto, the Grand Opera House opened to the public on November 29, 1880. Hamilton Spectator. "Vanished Hamilton: A litany of loss." Hamilton Spectator. But by the 1930s, interest had begun to wane.
The Opera House attracted such crowds that it underwent several overhauls and expansions in ensuing years. Lalor spared no expense on the building, which drew international stars to its stage. "This first-class theatre building, which opened in 1880, was constructed for $25,000.
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