Valparaiso's Memorial Opera House is embarking on an exciting new chapter as the City of Valparaiso takes over its management from Porter County. This transition, which was finalized at the end of 2024, is designed to maximize the venue's potential by tapping into the city’s resources and expertise.
The Memorial Opera House, located in the heart of downtown Valparaiso since 1893, will play an even greater role in enriching the community through the arts.
“It made a lot of sense for the City of Valparaiso to program the Memorial Opera House,” said Kevin Nuppnau, Valparaiso Parks director. “We have the background and the resources to market events while the county is more focused in other areas.”
In fact, localizing support for the Memorial Opera House will expand community offerings and opportunities.
“Allowing the opera house an opportunity to thrive with the new support provided will greatly benefit the community,” said Scot MacDonald, Memorial Opera House venue director. “With the change, we can offer more events, even more inclusive programming, and opportunities for all that wish to participate in the arts to do so.”
This change follows an impressive $5 million renovation, marking the first significant update to the Memorial Opera House in decades.
“The timing also made sense as the beautiful remodel was recently completed, creating excitement for the community to come to see the restorations and enhancements,” said Nuppnau.
In addition, the completion of the renovations allow for the City of Valparaiso to celebrate the history of the Memorial Opera House and embrace the future.
“The renovations are sort of ‘clean slate’ to create an aesthetic that merges the history of the building along with the needs of a modern audience,” said MacDonald.
The revitalization and preservation work featured new seating with enhanced comfort, fresh paint, an upgraded stage, an expanded technical area, as well as opportunities for further projects.
“We're also examining the possibility of gallery space in the Bryan/Rodenbarger Family Lounge upstairs and working in conjunction with Valpo Creative Council,” said MacDonald.
By allowing the Memorial Opera House to step into the 21st century with modern updates while preserving the timeless character, the City of Valparaiso is confident that even greater artistic showcases are on the horizon.
“We look forward to expanding our role and tying the Memorial Opera House into plans for the city’s downtown,” said Nuppnau. “Performances and productions are an excellent way to enhance our downtown and strengthen bonds between people and organizations.”
Becoming part of the City of Valparaiso and the Valparaiso Parks Department allows the Memorial Opera House team to contribute to the city's cultural and social landscape in an even bigger way.
“The city has a great vision to make Valpo a cultural hub, and the opportunity to merge those visions is nothing short of thrilling,” said MacDonald. “To be able to balance each others' thoughts and collectively create something together gives us all a reason to get out of bed each morning.”
Encouraging and supporting the arts has been a large focal point in Valparaiso, and Nuppnau believes the Memorial Opera House will only enhance this work.
“We see opportunities for local artists and performers to gather at the Memorial Opera House and have a place to showcase their talents,” said Nuppnau. “We look forward to encouraging more events and more varied uses.”
“Not only does the Memorial Opera House represent an opportunity for local people to share, the venue also represents an opportunity to invite others to experience our art scene and our downtown,” said Nuppnau.
Under the city’s management, the Memorial Opera House is set to become a hub for creativity and connection.
“We see the Memorial Opera House as a key part of a creative arts district in our downtown and look forward to adding streetscape enhancements to showcase this area, centered at Indiana Avenue,” said Nuppnau.
“Being an important part of the Valpo Parks team and culture is a big win for all of the Memorial Opera House team,” added MacDonald. “To have another team interested in making that magic happen means we can keep going for years to come.”
To learn more about the Porter County Government and the City of Valparaiso please visit their websites.
