Wortham Theater Center

Representing Houston’s can-do spirit at its best, the Wortham Theater Center was built at the height of the 1980s oil bust through funds entirely from the private sector. A true community effort, more than 3,500 donors contributed $66 million—many giving only $100 or less—to build this performing arts mecca amid a period of job losses and recession. In the end, the 437,500-square-foot facility was completed four months early and $5 million under budget. At the time, Wortham Center was the first new major opera house built in the United States in more than 25 years, a daring venture for any city to undertake. Dedicated to Gus S. Wortham, the founder of American General Insurance Company, the Wortham Center is home to Houston Ballet and Houston Grand Opera. Since 1987, Wortham Center has entertained more than 8 million people and served as the venue for social galas, corporate events and weddings, solidifying its role as a community center and performing arts venue. Within the Wortham Center is an array of public spaces, both intimate and monumental, from the jewel box–like theaters, the soaring six-story Grand Foyer and the delicately scaled Green Room and Founders Salon. The facility features two grand theaters, the Alice and George Brown Theater and the Lillie and Roy Cullen Theater, which host many of the world’s most accomplished entertainers.

Image Details