An Important Part of Newberry’s Past, Present and Future

The Newberry Opera House has been the heart of Newberry County for more than 100 years, serving both as the cultural center of the region and, more recently, as the home for the City’s fire, police, transportation, and municipal services. Built in 1882, the historic structure’s French Gothic clock tower dominates the City’s skyline and has, since its construction, been a landmark for the area.

In its prime, the Opera House was an artistic lodestar, drawing the nation’s best performers to South Carolina. Visiting groups included theatrical troupes, burlesque acts, musical groups, and performers ranging from Tallulah Bankhead to Tex Ritter. Even members of the famous Barrymore family are said to have performed in the historic structure.

Although the majestic performance space has been dark for decades, until 1994, the main floor of the Opera House housed City offices. Structurally sound and culturally significant, the Opera House has been restored by both local residents and national specialists in theater restoration.

After decades of neglect and use for administrative purposes, the Opera House restoration required substantial effort and investment. The Newberry Opera House Foundation Board thoroughly studied the feasibility of restoration, consulting with historic renovation specialists, engineers, and theater consultants from South Carolina and around the country. These professionals unanimously recommended that the Opera House be renovated and returned to its original use, as a focus for the town and a gathering place for Newberrians and arts audiences throughout the region. It has once again become a place for plays, art exhibits, musical performances, and social, cultural, and business gatherings. The Southeast has a restored Opera House.

Community leaders view the Opera House as a vital step in the growth of the area’s cultural and business environment. The restoration of the Opera House brings a new center of commerce, and a revitalized identity to downtown Newberry.

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