Academy of Music (oldest U.S. opera house in continuous use)

The Academy of Music at this address opened in 1857 and is commonly cited as the oldest opera house in the United States still used for its original purpose. The Italianate theater has hosted operas, ballets, and touring theatrical productions for more than a century and a half. Its long performance history has produced numerous performer- and production-related anecdotes that contribute to Philadelphia's theatrical lore. The building continues to serve as an active performance venue.