MONTICELLO OPERA HOUSE

By  Mike Miller April 28, 2025

The Monticello Opera House, located in the heart of Monticello, Florida, is a beautifully preserved performing arts theater and cultural hub built in 1890.

This two-story venue is known for its elegant architecture and rich history. It hosts a variety of concerts, plays, musicals, and community events.

With a 311-seat theater, a banquet hall, and a charming garden courtyard, it serves as Jefferson County’s civic center, offering a blend of entertainment and historic charm just 28 miles northeast of Tallahassee. 

Constructed by businessman John H. Perkins, the Perkins Block Building was designed by architect W.R. Gunn to capitalize on Monticello’s railroad-driven tourism boom.

The ground floor housed Perkins’ mercantile shops, while the second-floor opera house featured a grand stage with exceptional acoustics.

It hosted professional touring groups and local productions like "The Mikado" until the early 1900s, when rerouted railroads led to financial decline.

The theater was abandoned after a failed stint as a movie house, falling into disrepair. In 1972, dedicated citizens formed the Monticello Opera House, Inc., saving it from demolition. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. 

The building was purchased in 1973 with community funds, a state grant, and a donation from Mrs. Dorothy Simpson, ensuring its restoration as a cultural landmark. 

The Opera House is at 185 W Washington St on the corner of Washington and Jefferson Streets in Monticello’s historic district. Its hours vary by event.

Check their website for show schedules and tickets, with optional dinner packages. Street parking is plentiful, and a city lot is also available across from the courthouse.

After 5 pm the Monticello News lot is also accessible. Arrive early for popular events like murder mystery dinners, as seating is limited.

The venue is wheelchair-accessible via an elevator installed in 2004, and guided tours may be available by contacting 850-997-4242.

Pair your visit with Monticello’s Watermelon Festival in June for a full experience. 

• The Opera House is rumored to be haunted, with tales of John Perkins’ ghost lingering in a box seat and a mysterious figure appearing backstage.  

• Its balcony once segregated audiences, accessed by a side staircase, reflecting past social norms.  

• The “hell door” trapdoor on stage added dramatic flair to performances.  

• The venue’s acoustics remain unparalleled, and its restoration preserved original features like wainscoting.  

• Today, it hosts the Opera House Stage Company and Monticello Acting & Dance Company, keeping the arts alive in rural Florida. 

MONTICELLO OPERA HOUSE WEBSITE

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