Piper's Opera House

MID 1800s- John Piper came to Virginia City in 1860. Around 1862 he purchased a building on B street, built of bricks and brown mortar for a business office, that eventually became known as Piper's Business Block and now forms the front lobby of the present Piper's Opera House. Typical of the busies men in Virginia, the thriving, hot spot for making money at every turn, Piper owned several businesses. Around 1864, he purchased the Maguire's Opera House on D street and entered into the venue and promotions. THE FIRES- Piper's Opera House (Maguire's) burned down in the Great Fire of 1875. The town - including Piper's - was rebuilt by the mining barons. The Opera House was built in the new location on the corner of B Street and Union. It was completed in January of 1878. This Opera House was probably the most opulent of all the Piper's Opera Houses. PIPER'S FINAL OPERA HOUSE- also suffered the fate of and burned to the ground in 1883. With Virginia City on the down hill run, Piper had little interest in rebuilding the grand theater. But persuaded by townsfolk, he began construction - using mostly wood left over from the burned and abandoned mines - and finished Piper's opera House in 1885. It still stands today. PIPER'S OPERA HOUSE PROGRAMS,INC.- In 1997, Piper's Opera House Programs, Inc. a non-profit corporation, purchased the Opera House from the great-great granddaughter of John Piper, Louise Zimmer Driggs. The Opera House is being restored through funds donated by the supporting membership, government and corporate grants. The first stage of restoration was the addition of a new roof, siding, structural reinforcement, sprinkler system, fire alarms, a new heating system and an ADA compliant restrooms. The 2nd phase included more structural reinforcement, drainage system, reinforcement of the front facade and restoration of the windows and doors. Our current projects includes the Entry Foyer, John Piper's Office and The Piper's Saloon.