Bowery in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

World’s Smallest Opera House

319 Bowery

Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 15, 2016

1. World’s Smallest Opera House Marker

Inscription. Billed as the world’s smallest opera house, with 107 seats, the Amato Opera renovated the Neoclassical Revival style building in 1964. The company was founded by Anthony and Sally Amato in 1948 to present grand opera at low prices, performed by aspiring young singers. Attending a performance here was a unique experience with its intimate theater, talented performers, first-class orchestra, and imaginative sets designed by Richard Cerullo.

Built as a cigar-rolling factory in 1899, this building was owned and operated by Jonas Whitelaw, son of a Hungarian Jewish immigrant who ran a prosperous leaf tobacco business in Cuba. In 1906, it became the Holy Name Mission, serving the homeless for nearly four decades.

In 2009, after the Amato company’s 61st season, Anthony Amato, at age 88, closed the theater and sold the building.

-Michell Grubler, Chair, Landmarks Committee Bowery Alliance of Neighbors

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music.

Location. 40° 43.522′ N, 73° 59.517′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County.

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It is in the Bowery. It is on Bpwery near Bleeker Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 319 Bowery, New York NY 10003, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Alexander’s Musee (here, next to this marker); Then You Saw It/Now You Don’t (a few steps from this marker); CBGB (a few steps from this marker); Tin Palace Jazz Club (within shouting distance of this marker); Secret Cemetery Secret Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Hats, Hardware & Horses (within shouting distance of this marker); Bouwerie Lane Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Casting At The Cast Iron Bank (within shouting distance of

World’s Smallest Opera House and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, October 2017

2. World’s Smallest Opera House and Marker

The marker is visible in this photo at lower left.

this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.

More about this marker. One of more than sixty entries in the “Windows on the Bowery” series.

Also see . . . The Bowery Historic District - National Park Service. National Register of Historic Places documentation - download (Submitted on April 9, 2024, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 15, 2016

3. Inset

Sally Amato (1917-2000) & Anthony Amato (1920-1911)

World’s Smallest Opera House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, 2003

4. World’s Smallest Opera House

319 Bowery

Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 15, 2016

5. Insert

319 Bowery, 1939 tax photo

Still vacant, 2013 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry Gertner, 2013

6. Still vacant, 2013

Credits. This page was last revised on June 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 1,562 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 21, 2019, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.