Citizens Opera House

The Citizens Opera House is a restored vaudeville-era movie palace in downtown Boston that hosts touring Broadway productions and Boston Ballet’s holiday Nutcracker, along with concerts, comedians and other performers. Originally the B. F. Keith Memorial Theatre, it was designed by Thomas White Lamb, one of the foremost theatre architects of his day, in a mix of French and Italian styles, and it was built with an almost unrivaled degree of luxury in its appointments.

Edward Franklin Albee oversaw construction as a memorial to his late partner, the vaudeville impresario Benjamin Franklin Keith, and the theatre opened in 1928. By 1995 it had landed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of the 11 most endangered historic places. With help from Mayor Thomas Menino, a complete restoration began in late 2002, and the theatre reopened in June 2004, soon launching a six-month run of The Lion King.

What to Know

• The entire Opera House can be rented for events, offering over 100,000 square feet and capacity for 2,600 people.
• Historical and backstage tours are available.
• The Citizens Lounge is among the experiences the theatre offers to visitors.
• The theatre publishes accessibility information and dining recommendations for show nights.