Tabor Opera House Preservation Foundation, Inc.

Help us preserve a National Treasure of the West, right here in Leadville, Colorado

Mission: Revitalize Leadville's Historic Tabor Opera House

Help us raise $55,000 to meet our 2024 goal, which will fund operations, and help us match grants and historic tax credits to complete the exterior restoration of this beloved landmark.

Built nearly 145 years ago by Horace and Augusta Tabor with the help of immigrants and working-class locals, the Tabor Opera House has long been central to Leadville’s history — and we believe it’s key to the region’s future. Recognized by the National Parks Service as a National Treasure, the Tabor brings performing arts to rural Colorado, and offers summer programming like theater, music, comedy, and film festivals, fostering cultural exchange, and providing a space for youth programs and community events.

Since the City of Leadville acquired the opera house in 2016, the Tabor Opera House Preservation Foundation (TOHPF) has driven extensive exterior renovations. Now, it’s time to reimagine the interior, which hasn’t been remodeled since 1902, into a year-round arts venue with educational programs, vibrant community spaces, and accessible, restored interiors — a venue that strengthens the local economy.

2024 Accomplishments:

• Continued balcony and upper cornice restoration on the west side

• Stewarded and displayed historic stage scenery collection

• Provided diverse, live entertainment in partnership with Lyric Theatre

• Grew our summer audience 40%, with 5,000+ visitors

• Hosted free youth workshops with the Tabor Youth Collective

• Created local arts jobs to the community and expanded the Tabor’s capacity

• Launched a 3-year strategic plan and completed a feasibility study for interior renovation

Help TOHPF bring this vision to life by reaching our year-end $55,000 goal!