The building’s rebirth began in the late 1940s when Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke arrived to transform Aspen into a world-class ski resort.
The story of the is a dramatic tale of "boom and bust" that mirrors the history of Aspen itself. From its grand, rose-scented opening in 1889 to its near-destruction by arson, the building has survived through the resilience of the Aspen community. Wheeler Opera House Event venue ClosedAspen, CO Directions The Silver King’s Vision (1889)
: It was the first theater west of the Continental Divide to be fully wired for electricity, featuring a 36-light chandelier. The Arson Mystery (1912) wheeleroperahouse
: On April 23, 1889, the theater opened with the comic opera The King’s Fool . The night was so prestigious that local hat makers were overwhelmed by orders for fine millinery.
In 1888, Jerome B. Wheeler—a Civil War veteran and former president of Macy’s—invested his fortune into the booming mining town of Aspen. He commissioned the Wheeler Opera House as the town's cultural centerpiece. The building’s rebirth began in the late 1940s
Today, the Wheeler Opera House remains a vibrant community "living room," funded by a unique local real estate tax that ensures its preservation for future generations. Our Story | Wheeler Opera House
: While the first fire was minor, a second blaze nine days later started in three separate locations simultaneously, confirming it was arson. Wheeler Opera House Event venue ClosedAspen, CO Directions
: Since its reopening, the Wheeler has hosted legendary performers like John Denver , Lyle Lovett , and Judy Collins . It also helped launch the careers of comedians like Dave Chappelle and Bill Maher through the HBO Comedy Arts Festival.