New entrance to Opera House Lobby & Gallery

Click here to view renovation work at Opera House

Opera House Lobby & Gallery

Renovation of part of the main level of the historic Ellendale Opera House, which was once Randall’s Grocery Store, was complete in 2007, just in time for Ellendale’s 125th anniversary celebration. It is called the lobby/gallery, and will be the main entrance to the second floor auditorium when that part is completed.

Currently, the lobby/gallery is used for art exhibits, theatrical and musical performances and private parties.

In June 2007, an Artist’ Showcase was held in the lobby. Art media from 15 local artists, past and present, were on display. More than 700 people attended the Showcase during the weekend of the 125th Celebration with North Dakota Governor John Hoeven as a special guest. The governor attended the Walk of Fame presentation and the reception held at the Opera House. While here, he toured the Opera House including the auditorium.

'Snow Country Prison' Exhibit

Since that time, the room has been used extensively for a large variety of events, most recently displaying Jim Dow’s "MARKING THE LAND" exhibition followed by the "SNOW COUNTRY PRISON" exhibit. There have been eight theatrical plays and performances by Chuck Suchy and Tom Isern.

The "SMITHSONIAN’S JOURNEY STORIES" was on display in the lobby January 25 through March 14, 2010.

The next phase of the restoration is to finish the front of the building around the new windows. A grant has been received to replace the subfloor of the second floor auditorium and that will be done in the summer of 2009. Air Conditioning and insulation have been added to the lobby. A study is being conducted on completing renovation of the entire Opera House and another on the addition of a theater to the west end of the building on the main level.

O.P.E.R.A., Inc. is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to renew the cultural and performing arts in the Ellendale community and to restore this magnificent 100-year-old building. Special events were held in 2009 to celebrate the building's 100th birthday.