Bayview Opera House facts for kids
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Bayview Opera House
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Bayview Opera House in San Francisco
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 Location in Bayview-Hunters Point
Location in San Francisco County
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | 4705 3rd Street San Francisco, California 94124 |
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| Built | 1888 |
| Architect | Henry Geilfuss, Cornelius E. Dunshee |
| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 11000117 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | 21 March 2011 |
The Bayview Opera House is a very old and important theatre in San Francisco, California. It's located in the Bayview-Hunters Point area. This theatre first opened in 1888. Many people believe it is the oldest theatre still standing in San Francisco!
From 2014 to 2016, the theatre was updated and made even better. It is recognized as a special place in several ways. It became a San Francisco City Landmark in 1968. It was also named a California Point of Historical Interest. In 2011, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list includes important historical places across the United States.
History of the Bayview Opera House
The Bayview Opera House was designed by a talented architect named Henry Geilfuss. He was known for designing many buildings in San Francisco during the late 1800s. Geilfuss mixed different styles like Italianate and Gothic to create unique Victorian buildings.
The theatre opened in 1888. It is famous for being the oldest theatre still around in San Francisco. It even survived the big 1906 San Francisco earthquake! For many years, the Opera House was a community hub. People gathered there for cultural events, fairs, and even political meetings.
The building was first known as the South San Francisco Opera House. Later, it was renamed the Bayview Opera House Ruth Williams Memorial Theatre. This was to honor Ruth Williams. She was a producer, playwright, and actress. She helped start the careers of famous people like singer Cindy Herron and actor Danny Glover.
In 2014, a big project began to renovate the theatre. This update cost about $5.7 million. The project improved the lobby and updated the lighting inside. It also added an outdoor stage with permanent seats. The building was made accessible for everyone, following ADA rules. The theatre officially reopened in September 2016.
What You Can Do at the Opera House
The Bayview Opera House is a busy place for the community. It has a Community Recording Studio where people can make music. It is also home to the Bayview Opera House Dance Troupe. There is also a group called the Young and Gifted Choir. Since 1989, it has been a special center for youth and dance.
See also
