FRANKLIN OPERA HOUSE

Franklin Opera House is a historic performance venue located at 316 Central Street in downtown Franklin, New Hampshire. Built in 1893 and designed by architect William Butterfield, the opera house features a curved balcony with unobstructed views and a main floor with removable padded seating for approximately 325 total capacity.

Programming includes community theater, concerts, comedy, and family events. The flexible main floor seating allows the space to be configured for different types of performances and gatherings. The venue is managed by a nonprofit organization focused on affordable and accessible arts programming.

The opera house was dedicated in 1893 and originally hosted balls, dances, lectures, plays, musicals, vaudeville shows, concerts, and school graduation ceremonies. After falling into disuse, the Franklin Opera House was resurrected in 2000 as a community arts organization. In 2007, the organization purchased 195 stackable chairs to provide updated orchestra seating on the main floor.

The Franklin Opera House was shut down in 2023 by the fire chief for fire code violations. A $6.8 million renovation bond was approved in September 2024, and major renovation work is underway with ARCove Architects. The facility is expected to reopen in November 2026.