Lunenburg Opera House
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The Lunenburg Opera House is a significant landmark located within the boundaries of the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Conforming to the town’s architectural traditions, modeled after European music halls, the opera house was built from local timbers in 1907/1908 by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Experienced contractor Solomon Morash led the original project and during the months of construction, there was great anticipation throughout the province. The local newspapers foresaw “one of finest opera halls in the province.” (Progressive Enterprise, 11/20/1907)
The ingenuity of Lunenburg’s fine shipbuilders and craftsmen (who built the opera house) is evidenced by the unique architectural features that enhance both the acoustics and aesthetics of the building. The floor joists are laminate beams that have been steamed and made to curve in a semi-circle facing the direction of the stage, giving support to the auditorium seating and enhancing the acoustics of the theatre. The joists actually mimic the unseen ribbing and framework that one might find beneath the facade of a guitar or violin or inside the hull of a wooden ship. The exterior is simple but majestic, a testament to the sensibilities of the South Shore people.
The Lunenburg Opera House was originally used as a venue for vaudeville, music and other touring productions. In the 1940’s, following the trend of the times, the opera house was converted into a movie house and was renamed the Capitol Theatre. In the 1970s the building was purchased privately and in the years to follow, the opera house was intermitantly used as a performing arts venue. The 1990s and Early 2000s saw little activitiy with the building sitting mostly vacant.
Full restoration of the Lunenburg Opera House began in earnest in 2006 and will continue for the next couple years.
