Built in 1891, the historic Rockport Opera House is located in the heart of Rockport Village overlooking picturesque mid-coast Maine harbor. The Opera House here was actually first built as a multi-purpose Town Hall and library by a F. E. Gilkey, possibly a local builder. Over the years, the Colonial Revival style building has also served as a town meeting space, theater, concert hall, and Y.M.C.A., complete with a basketball court and bowling alley. In the 1970s, the building had deteriorated such that the Town considered selling it or tearing it down. The women of the Rockport Garden Club led the effort to save and restore the building. An outpouring of local support and a grant from the Maine Commission of the Arts and Humanities enabled the building to be revitalized as the Rockport Opera House. The significant structure continues to host the annual town meeting and regularly hosts town committee and other public meetings. It is also the home venue of the Bay Chamber Concerts, as well as other musical events, theater performances, wedding receptions, conferences, and other private functions. Preservation at its finest!
Buildings of New England 