1. The Grand cost $100,000 in 1894 to construct, which would cost at least $2,978,406.98 today!

1894 Grand Opera House Pre-1900 Storm

2. When it opened in 1895, The Grand had the largest stage in Texas at 70’ x 37’ x 69’.

Grand Opera House Stage, Lyle Lovett Nov 2016

3. Opening night for the new opera house was January 3, 1895, the glittering first-night audience was treated to a program of classical music and a performance of “Daughters of Eve” starring Marie Wainwright.

Marie Wainwright

4. The Grand 1894 Opera House is one of the few properties in Galveston to survive the worst natural disaster in United States history: The 1900 Galveston Hurricane.

Grand 1894 Opera House after the 1900 Storm

5. In 1924, the theater was sold to Atillio Martini, who renamed it the Martini Theatre. Mr. Martini then renamed The Grand another time to the State Theatre.