NEWPORT OPERA HOUSE

Newport Opera House is a historic performance venue located at 20 Main Street in Newport, New Hampshire. Built in 1886 and designed by architect Hiram Beckwith of Claremont, the building replaced a previous town hall and courthouse that burned down in 1885. The balcony contains 229 wooden seats with original wire hat racks, and total assembly capacity is 675.

The venue hosts community theater, concerts, dances, and civic events. At the time of construction, the opera house was promoted as having the largest stage in New England north of Boston. The hall also accommodates 250-300 for dances and other standing events.

The opera house quickly became the center of entertainment in Sullivan County, drawing audiences from across the region for plays, boxing matches, political rallies, school graduations, dance recitals, and Saturday night movies. John Philip Sousa's Band performed at the venue. The building fell into decline during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1974, a restoration effort began, and the Newport Opera House Association was formed as a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the hall. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.