The Grand Hall, located on the second floor of the 1886 Stafford Opera House, is the epitome of elegance. Large enough to comfortably seat ~200 (up to 250), the Grand Hall will captivate you and your guests with its timeless elegance. Columbus Historical Preservation Trust (CHPT) would be honored to host such a special and meaningful day for you at the 1886 Stafford Opera House! Details: Rental Price: ~$4,000 Capacity: ~240 guests in the Stafford Opera House Grand Hall Included: Tables and chairs, arranged to your preference Rental Window: 15 hours (ex: 8:00 AM–11:00 PM or 9:00 AM–12:00 AM) We want your celebration to reflect YOU! You are welcome to select the event planner, florist, décor team, caterer, bartender, and entertainment of your choice — we do not require the use of a preferred vendor list. *The only requirements are: Hiring event security for a minimum of four hours during the reception Providing proof of day-of-event insurance Please feel free to reach out with any questions or to schedule a tour. CHPT is delighted to assist you as you explore whether the 1886 Stafford Opera House is the perfect setting for your big day! History: Built in 1886 by cattleman R. E. Stafford, the Stafford Opera House housed a bank and dry goods store downstairs and a theater upstairs. Designed in the Second Empire style by architect Nicholas J. Clayton, the brick building features distinctive two-toned brickwork, ornate metal details cast in Galveston, and a rare flat-floored Grand Hall. Seating originally accommodated 1,000 guests, and today it remains the largest—and only surviving—flat-floored opera house in Texas. Though called an “opera house,” no opera was ever documented on its stage. After Stafford’s tragic death in 1890 during the infamous Stafford-Townsend Feud, the building later served as a Ford dealership, sports venue, roller rink, and even wartime apartments before closing in 1916 as a performance hall. Purchased in 1972 by what is now the Columbus Historical Preservation Trust, the Opera House underwent an 18-year, $1.3 million restoration and was rededicated in 1990. In 2024, CHPT raised an additional $1.5+ million to preserve it for the next century.