Smith Opera House

Geneva, NY

Opened: 1894

Seats: 1,400

Architects: Joseph Pierce and Henry Bickford

The Romanesque Opera House was built in 1894 for $39,000 by local philanthropist William Smith. In 1929 it was purchased by Schine's Amusement Company and underwent an $500,000 interior reconstruction as a movie palace combining Art Deco and Baroque elements overseen by architect Victor Rigaumount. The house underwent a slow decline culminating in a 1978 seisure by the city for back taxes. The Finger Lakes Regional Arts Council was formed in 1979 to preserve the theatre and incremental renovations have been continuing through the present. The facility was renamed the Smith Opera House in 1983. (4/25/2006)

04/25/2006 13:14:48
Smith Opera House
04/25/2006 09:58:59
Smith Opera House
04/25/2006 10:04:06
Smith Opera House
04/25/2006 12:13:53
Smith Opera House

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