Celebrate the magic of live theatre in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
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.
Parking: There is ample metered street parking, surface lots, and parking garages near The Fulton.
Accessibility: The Fulton has accessible seating and restrooms on every level, and offers Audio Described performances, Assistive Listening Devices, ASL Interpretation and Open Captioned Performances, as well as sensory-friendly programming.
History of the Fulton Opera House
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.
The Fulton Opera House is more than 170 years old.
What are the best seats in a live theatre?
Typically, the seats closest to the center of the theatre will have the most balanced acoustics and visuals.
What is the difference between a theatre and an opera house?
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.
