Central City in Gilpin County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

This Historic Opera House

Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, July 20, 2026

1. This Historic Opera House Marker

Inscription. This historic Opera House erected by the citizens of Central City in 1878, has been restored by the university of Denver as a permanent memorial to the pioneers of Colorado.

This tablet is dedicated to Peter McFarlane one of its builders and later its owner whose interest through the years was responsible for its preservation until in 1931 it was presented by his heirs to the University of Denver.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 39° 48.08′ N, 105° 30.813′ W. Marker is in Central City, Colorado, in Gilpin County. It is on Eureka Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 Eureka Street, Central City CO 80427, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Colorado High Rockies. It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are

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within walking distance of this marker: Saint James Methodist Church (a few steps from this marker); Central City (within shouting distance of this marker); Washington Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The First Telephone in Central City (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rose Haydee Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); St Mary's Catholic Church (about 500 feet away); The Ignatz Meyer Building (about 600 feet away); The AOUW Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Central City.

Regarding This Historic Opera House. The grounds of the Opera House are also fascinating.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.

Also see . . .
1. Central City Opera House History.

The Central City Opera House was built in 1878 by Welsh and Cornish miners. This National Historic Landmark, centerpiece of the historic gold mining town of Central City, has hosted performances of the nation’s fifth-oldest opera company (after the Metropolitan Opera, Cincinnati Opera, San Francisco Opera and Chautauqua Opera) since 1932.
Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, July 20, 2026

2. This Historic Opera House Marker
As the second oldest summer opera company (following Chautauqua Opera), Central City Opera’s national summer festival attracts patrons from all over the country and abroad to enjoy intimate opera in its 550-seat opera house.

(Submitted on July 20, 2026, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin.)

2. Central City Opera is one of Colorado’s cultural treasures.

John Gregory found a rich vein of the precious metal near Central City circa 1859, and after the deposits nearest the surface were collected, hard-rock miners from the English county of Cornwall were imported to dig deeper. Many of these workers soon decided they wanted to enjoy the beauty of Central City permanently. But according to Eric Chinn, CCO’s director of historic properties, their wives on the other side of the Atlantic needed some convincing.

(Submitted on July 20, 2026, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin.)

The Opera Garden image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, September 15, 2019

3. The Opera Garden

A quiet place of fond memories and friendships of yesteryear.
Restoration gift of Mat Bonfils Stanton
1962

Commerating Ludvig Van Beethoven Bi-Centennial 1770 - 1970
Alumni Day
Central City, Colorado
July 25, 1970

Myrna Loy - note USGS marker above plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, September 15, 2019

4. Myrna Loy - note USGS marker above plaque

You are now 8464.296 feet above sea level -- a perfect altitude for health and longevity.

Presented by Myrna Loy 1964

Myrna Loy was in Barefoot in the Park (the national tour opened July 25th, 1964, at the Central City Opera House, Central City, Colorado, and co-starred Richard Benjamin and Joan Van Ark).

Opera House Garden image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, July 20, 2026

5. Opera House Garden

Central City Opera House image. Click for full size.

courtesy Denver Public Library, circa 1879

6. Central City Opera House

Credits. This page was last revised on July 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2026, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 20, 2026, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin. 6. submitted on July 21, 2026. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.