Images of the Old French Opera House The First Opera House in the United States |
Built in 1859, the Frenh Opera House was the cultural center of New Orleans society and the first opera house in the United States. It was Greek Revival, designed by famous architect James Gallier. The grand auditorium was decorated in red and white and it seated 1,800 people in four tiers. Operas have been performed in New Orleans since 1790 and hundreds of operas were performed in the old French Opera House. For sixty years, the Opera House was the hub of Creole society. It burned in 1919 and, in the Times-Picayune article published the next day, the writer echoed the words of a stunned city: "The heart of the old French Quarter has stopped beating." |
The old French Opera House on Bourbon and Toulouse Streets, abt. 1890 |
Harper's Magazine, 1873 |
Sketch by C. H. White, 1906 |
Lobby of the French Opera House |
Sketch of the interior with box numbers displayed - provided as a courtesy to the customers of Clark and Meade Grocers: "Fancy and staple groceries, wines and liquors - Finest French, English and American confections - Main House, 10 Carondelet Street; Branch House, St. Charles Avenue at Napoleon Avenue. |
Program from a performance given in the final season, 1919 |
Above and below, the day after the fire |