Victoria Theatre
138 North Main Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
Since 1866, the “Magnificent Edifice” at First and Main Streets has provided entertainment in Dayton in many names and forms, but one thing has remained constant – a tradition of celebrating and enriching life through entertainment. The Victoria Theatre is also available to rent for meetings, parties, receptions, and performances.
The Victoria Theatre is open during events only.
Built in 1866 and renovated in 1989, the Victoria Theatre is an intimate performance venue. The theatre itself is a breath-taking venue for performances, large company meetings, and presentations while the lobby also provides a unique venue space for receptions.
Rental Information
Seating Chart
Address
138 North Main Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
From I-75
Take the the Main Street (Rt. 48) exit, follow Main Street south to First Street. Victoria Theatre is situated on the southeast corner of N. Main and First Streets at 138 North Main Street.
From US-35
Take the Main Street (Rt. 48) exit, follow Main Street north to First Street. Victoria Theatre is situated on the southeast corner of North Main and First Streets at 138 North Main Street.
Address
107 North Ludlow Street
Dayton, Ohio 45402
From I-75
Take the Main Street (Rt. 48) exit, follow Main Street south to Monument Avenue. Turn right onto Monument Avenue heading west, then turn left onto Ludlow Street, heading south. The Arts Garage will be on your right, behind the Schuster Center.
From US-35
Take the Main Street (Rt. 48) exit, follow Main Street north to Monument Avenue. Turn left onto Monument Avenue heading west, then turn left onto Ludlow Street, heading south. The Arts Garage will be on your right, behind the Schuster Center.
Origins
The Victoria Theatre originally opened on January 1, 1866, as the Turner Opera House and enjoyed three years of success before fire consumed the hall. The job of rebuilding took two years, and it reopened in 1871 as the Music Hall. The next 40 years were prosperous ones for the performance theatre. Some of America’s most prestigious stars, including Edwin Forrest, Lillie Langtry, Harry Houdini, Sarah Bernhardt, and Mark Twain, were featured in productions during this period. The theatre changed names several times during this period as well, becoming the Grand Opera House in 1885, the Victoria Opera House in 1899, and, finally, the Victoria Theatre in 1902.
A Historic Building
By 1967, declining economic conditions threatened the theatre’s existence, and it was marked for demolition in 1972. Through widespread community support it gained a listing on the National Register of Historic Places and narrowly escaped the wrecking ball in 1975. Victory Theatre Association was incorporated in 1976, and volunteers began restoration work. In 1977 the Dayton Ballet Company found a home at the Victory, and a new annual season of professional theatre was initiated. Victory Theatre Association purchased the building in 1978, and much of the ornate plaster work was restored, new carpeting was installed and the roof replaced.
Rechristened
In 1988 the Arts Center Foundation acquired the Victory Theatre from Victory Theatre Association and began a $17.5 million renovation project. A year and a half later, the project was completed and the completely renovated theatre was rechristened the Victoria Theatre. Today, the Victoria Theatre provides a variety of compelling Dayton entertainment options and is home to performances by many of Dayton’s arts organizations.
