Wright Opera House

Built in 1881 by brothers Ed and George Wright at the southwestern corner of 5th Avenue and Main Street, the Wright Opera House stands as a two-story brick landmark in Ouray. Originally constructed to provide cultural alternatives to the town’s dance halls and saloons, the building has served as a music concert and theater hall for over 130 years. The non-profit Friends of the Wright Opera House, formed in 2007, manages preservation and restoration efforts while promoting artistic, cultural, and educational opportunities for residents and visitors. Today, the venue hosts live performances and events, continuing its legacy as a center for the performing arts. Lou Hart, a board member whose family has deep roots in Ouray dating back to 1960 with the Twin Peaks Motel, views the Opera House as a place of rebirth where locals and guests gather for conversation and creativity. The facility remains open Tuesday through Thursday, offering wheelchair accessibility and ample parking for those seeking an evening of high-quality entertainment in a historic setting.