Skip to ContentPiper’s Opera House in Virginia City was built in 1885 by John Piper and still has its original scenery and raked stage, according to the state historical marker.
Checked November 2, 2026. Dates, prices and hours change; the official page wins.
- 1885built by John Piper
- No. 236Nevada historical marker
- 3rdPiper theater on the Comstock
History
The Nevada State Historic Preservation Office marker (No. 236) says Piper’s Opera House was built by John Piper in 1885, the third in a series of theaters he ran on the Comstock. It calls the building the most significant vintage theater in the West and notes it has its original scenery, raked stage and proscenium boxes. Many touring stars and concert artists of the 19th century appeared there, the marker says, without naming them.
Other accounts differ on the earlier theaters: the October 1875 fire is said to have destroyed the first, and the second is described as lost either around 1878 or in 1883. We could not confirm either on an official page.
Visit
Piper’s official website did not load for us on November 2, 2026 (the server returned an error), so we have no hours, tour times, ticket prices or street address to print. Check the theater’s own site, or ask the Virginia City Tourism Commission at 775-847-7500.
What We Could Not Confirm
These items were not read on an official page when we checked, so we do not state them as fact. Who can confirm each one is named.
- Hours, tour times and ticket prices (Piper’s Opera House, official site, not readable on November 2, 2026).
- The earlier theaters and their fire dates (Nevada State Historic Preservation Office).
- National Register listing and the names of performers (National Park Service).
More to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Piper’s Opera House built?
1885, according to the Nevada state historical marker.
Sources
- Nevada State Historic Preservation Office: Piper’s Opera House marker No. 236
- Virginia City Tourism Commission (official)
Cite this page: It’s Reno editorial team, “Piper’s Opera House,” itsreno.com, checked November 2, 2026.