Bardavon 1869 Opera House

Poughkeepsie, United States

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

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The Bardavon 1869 Opera House in downtown Poughkeepsie, New York, is the oldest continuously operating theater in New York State. Designed by architect J. A. Wood and completed in 1869, it was originally named the Collingwood Opera House after its owner and operator James Collingwood. The building features an unusual two-stage dome and initially served as a venue for performing arts, community meetings, and celebrations. Between 1869 and 1921, it hosted notable performers including Sarah Bernhardt and John Barrymore. After functioning primarily as a cinema from 1923 to 1975, with occasional live performances such as vaudeville, the theater resumed its role as a general performing-arts facility in 1976. The opera house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.