The State Theatre

Springer Opera House

A historic landmark with antecedents stretching back to Edwin Booth, the Springer Opera House was built in 1871 in Columbus, GA, and stands as the state's official theatre. After quite a checkered existence, the theatre was renovated over a two year period, from 1997 through 1999. The goal was to restore the public areas and auditorium to the way they were in 1901, yet add totally modern stage equipment and technical systems.

Plush seats and marble floors glow under lamp light in a Victorian theatre where legends of stage and politics have performed. It has hosted Oscar Wilde, William Jennings Bryan, Booker T. Washington, Will Rogers and scores of dramas, operas and concerts. Restored in the 1960’s, the Opera House was named a National Historic Landmark in 1978. Governor Jimmy Carter proclaimed it the State Theatre of Georgia for the 1971-72 season. The legislature made the designation permanent in 1992.