About Us

Founded in 1932, Central City Opera (CCO) is the fifth oldest professional opera company in the country and is world-renowned for its exquisite productions, competitive and robust young artist training program, and creative education and community engagement activities. The summer festival takes place at 8,500 feet above sea level in the Colorado mountain town of Central City, only 35 miles west of Denver, where the company owns and maintains 27 Victorian-era properties, including the intimate 550-seat jewel box opera house built in 1878.

VISION

We will use all our assets to create an exciting hub for artists and community that paves a new path forward for how cultural organizations can operate with economic and cultural vibrancy.

MISSION

We honor and sustain the pioneering spirit of our Colorado history by continuing to enrich lives and communities through the power of shared performances and preservation of our historic properties.

VALUES

Central City Opera is committed to:

• Stewardship of our unique environment and history.
• Centering performance as a foundation in how we engage with the world.
• Continuing our pioneering ethic of making an experience for all.
• Creating compelling reasons for people to gather in-person, in community, in the Central City, CO region.

For directions and suggestions for lodging, dining and other area activities during your trip to Central City Opera, check out our visitor information pages. For more information call 303-292-6500.