The Howell Opera House

Livingston County has a rich history, and one of its finest landmarks is the Howell Opera House.

The 1,000 seat theatre opened on December 31st, 1881. People would come from all over the surrounding area to see jugglers and acrobats, speeches from presidential candidates, and see productions of varied dramatic shows and plays. It also served double duty as a civic auditorium for local events.

The opera house closed its doors in 1924. For the last 75 years, it has served as an extra storage space for the hardware store housed beneath it. During that time the building fell to disarray- its former glory hidden beneath years of non-use.

Thanks to some determined people involved with the Livingston Arts Council, the theatre will one day come alive again. Hours of man-power have already been spent in the rehabilitation of this property, and making the public aware of what a gem this building is to the city of Howell.

In 2006, the Howell Opera House was one of twenty three communities selected to receive a 2006 Cool Cities Grant or program. They received a $100,000 Neighborhoods in Progress award which they are using to revive the first floor of the Opera House.

When you are in the area, visit the Livingston Arts Council at the Opera House- there are often great programs going on there for you and your family to enjoy.