Discover a theatre experience like no other at the Fulton Theatre–one of America’s longest-operating theatres. Inside this National Historic Landmark, you’ll find the perfect fusion of history and modern artistry, as performers enchant visitors with Broadway-caliber musicals, comedies, and dramas, alongside a family-friendly series designed to delight audiences of all ages. Each season dazzles with unforgettable performances, making this iconic venue a must-visit for arts and culture in Lancaster.
Before it became a theatre, the site housed Lancaster’s pre-Revolutionary jail, most infamous for the 1763 Conestoga Massacre, where the Paxtang Boys killed the last of the Conestoga Indians. This harrowing event resonated across the colonies and inspired the first plays written on American soil. Remarkably, the jail’s courtyard wall still stands as part of the Fulton Theatre.
Christopher Hager built Fulton Hall in 1852 as a community gathering space for lectures and performances. After the Civil War, the building was transformed into the Fulton Opera House, officially opening in 1873 with a performance of Othello benefiting widows and orphans of the Civil War. Later renovations, including a neo-classic redesign in 1903, solidified its place as a cultural cornerstone.
By the mid-20th century, the Fulton had fallen into disrepair, operating primarily as a movie house. Citizens rallied to save the theatre in 1962, establishing it as a non-profit foundation. A $9.5 million restoration in 1995 returned the Fulton to its Victorian grandeur, honoring its history while ensuring its future as a vibrant cultural landmark.
The Fulton is a significant historic and cultural landmark with ties to the Underground Railroad and use as an armory and hospital during the Civil War and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1969. Learn more about The Fulton's storied history.
Feb 7 to Mar 16
Fulton Theatre 12 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603-1865 (717) 397-7425 Website
Feb 14 to Mar 9
Fulton Theatre 12 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603-1865 (717) 397-7425 Website
Feb 22 to Mar 8
Fulton Theatre 12 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603-1865 (717) 397-7425 Website
Apr 19 to May 10
Fulton Theatre 12 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603-1865 (717) 397-7425 Website
Apr 25 to May 18
Fulton Theatre 12 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603-1865 (717) 397-7425 Website
Jun 13 to Jul 20
Fulton Theatre 12 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603-1865 (717) 397-742 Website
The Fulton Opera House is more than 170 years old.
Typically, the seats closest to the center of the theatre will have the most balanced acoustics and visuals.
A theatre is a general term for a venue that hosts live performances, while an opera house is a specialized theatre built for opera performances. Opera houses are distinguished by their larger stages, orchestra pits, and superior acoustics designed for vocal projection.
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12 North Prince Street Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 397-7425 Website
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