The newly constructed arched feature window - designed in the building's original Richardsonian Romanesque style - was added at the fourth-floor level of the brick facade.

For more information about the Grand Opera House restoration campaign, please contact the Business Office at
588-4356 or write:

The Grand Opera House Foundation
P.O. Box 632
Dubuque, IA 52004-0632

This campaign is designated for the restoration project, and restoration gifts are not used for day-to-day operations.

In the three short months that I have served as development director, I have become fascinated with the Grand's history and the cultural role it has played in our community. What's most interesting is that history seems to be repeating itself. The Grand was originally built by civic-minded citizens interested in the arts, and a group with similar intentions have launched its restoration over a century later

The Grand Opera House Company was formed in 1889 by 51 private citizens interested in bringing live entertainment to Dubuque. Driven by a mission that was more service than profit oriented, the group built a theater that was described as "a histronic temple of which the Key City of Iowa is proud." In just a few years, the Grand's contributions to area performing arts were enough that one of the local newspapers boldly declared in 1902 that "Dubuque is fast becoming one of the two best show towns in the state."

Theater legends such as Sarah Bernhardt, George M. Cohan, Ethel Barrymore, and Henry Fonda were just a few of the performers to grace the Grand's early stage. In its original grandeur, the Grand made a lasting impression on performers and audience members alike. As late as 1988, Fonda - by then a Hollywood giant - commented, "Isn't it great the Grand is still in Dubuque? I have very fond memories of playing Hamlet on that stage in 1923."

Today, many community citizens, as well as members of the Grand Opera House foundation and operation boards, agree with Fonda's statement. Thanks to local support of the Grand's cultural role in the community, an ambitious three-phase theater restoration is underway.

Phase I of the restoration will be completed later this month (this was completed in October 2001). The marquee and metal panel siding, which were added to the building in the 1960's, have been removed to repair brick and stonework. The opera house's exterior - Dubuque brick with a facade of St. Louis pressed brick - has been restored to its original beauty.

Over 30 windows, including the monumental semicircular one on the fourth floor, have been either replaced or repaired. Other exterior work includes a new slate roof and copper roofing for the bay windows; new copper gutters, downspouts, coping and flashing; and dormer restoration.

The first phase of renovation has also included interior work. Projects completed to date are:

• Comfortable, refurbished theatre seating for 640
• Restoration of the beautiful original maple wood flooring
• Upgraded lighting, sound, speaker, and stage electrical systems
• Air conditioning in the sound and light booth
• Upgraded hearing assistance devices

These completed projects have created a solid foundation to continue and expand this major restoration effort. While the goal is to preserve the historical look of the 'grand' old facility, the foundation and operating boards are striving to upgrade and prepare it for another century of performances.

Fundraising plans are now underway for Phase II of the restoration, which will include the lobby, foyer, stage, fly-space, and public restrooms. Phase III of the multi-year project will cover restoring the auditorium and improving the staff offices and rehearsal hall.

The restoration project was launched with generous gifts from John and Alice Butler, Mark and Cheryl Falb, and a number of area individuals and organizations. These improvements have enhanced the cultural experience of the more than 70,000 people who attend Grand productions each year.

As the Grand continues to be returned to its original splendor, additional area citizens will be asked to thoughtfully consider lending support to this important project.

In the early 20th century, Dubuque was reputed to be quite a show town. Wouldn't it be "grand" if the Grand could help history repeat itself in our performing arts community?