Preserving Our Past for Our Future

Originally constructed by Don Carlos Bent during the Civil War using local Medina sandstone, Bent’s Opera House served as the region's primary cultural hub from 1865 through the early 1900s. The venue famously hosted legendary figures such as P.T. Barnum, Buffalo Bill Cody, and Frederick Douglass.

With the rise of motion pictures, the opera house saw declining use and eventually fell into disrepair. After years of neglect, a local venture capitalist couple acquired the building to preserve its historical significance. This initiated a comprehensive three-and-a-half-year restoration designed to revive the architectural integrity of the site. Every original feature, including the stage, the mezzanine balcony, and the hardwood floors, has been meticulously reclaimed.

Following its reopening in 2021, the venue was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized by the NYS Preservation League. Bent’s Opera House now serves as a premier destination featuring a luxury boutique hotel, Harvest restaurant, and the restored Opera House Ballroom, successfully blending its rich heritage with modern amenities.