Norfolk, VA (Harrison Opera House)

Renting the Harrison Opera House
We hope you will consider holding your special event at the Edythe C. & Stanley L. Harrison Opera House — the home of Virginia Opera in Norfolk. The Harrison Opera House, located conveniently near downtown Norfolk, is owned by the city and is contracted through the Department of Civic Facilities.

The Harrison Opera House is an intimate theatre with a proud heritage. Today it maintains its historic charm and elegance while featuring modern amenities, including elevators to all floors, large lobby spaces, a coatroom, and conveniently located restroom facilities. Refreshment stand/bars are also available.

To schedule a tour of the facilities, please submit this form and an event coordinator will be in touch with you shortly.

For information about reserving your date and signing a lease agreement, please visit the Norfolk Department of Civic Facilities website at www.sevenvenues.com.

Grand Lobby & Lower Lobby

About the Lobbies
The Grand Lobby is located on the second floor and is the central lobby for the Harrison Opera House. It is the most prominent room of the building. It is truly one of the most spectacular lobby spaces in any public building in the Mid-Atlantic region and was designed to create a sense of space and light. The Grand Lobby is an inviting space with floor to ceiling windows designed by Graham Gund that overlook the Chrysler Museum. Centered at each window are specially designed chandeliers, also designed by Graham Gund. The Grand Lobby is the perfect spot for a wedding reception, piano recital, bar mitzvah reception, group meeting or small lecture.

The Lower Lobby with its cantilevered ceiling has two permanent full-service bars and is a perfect spot for cocktails or even a dessert station.

Rental Information
The rental fee for the Grand Lobby/Lower Lobby is $1,800. Please contact Seven Venues for more detailed information on rental requirements and regulations.

Specifics
The Grand Lobby can accommodate 300 standing for cocktails, 250 for a seated dinner and 200 with dance floor. The length of the room is 90 feet and the width is 30 feet. All events must end by 11:00 pm. A catering kitchen is available for your event on the Grand lobby level. It includes an ice machine, a large refrigerator, a warming oven, and a dishwasher. The Harrison Opera House does not have a stove or baking oven.

Theatre

About the Theatre
The theatre seats 1,634 and is an intimate performance hall with tremendous acoustics. It is perfect for opera, dance, plays, musicals, bands, graduations, symphonies, award ceremonies, and every possible type of entertainment. There is a computerized lighting system, a 47 line fly system, the orchestra pit seats approximately 55 and the dressing rooms can accommodate up to 54.

Rental Information
The rental fee for the theatre is $1,500.00 a performance day plus cleaning fees. Any additional/rehearsal day rental fees and cleanup fees vary according to the needs of the event. The Harrison Opera House Theatre is a "Four Walls Rental." Everything in addition to the House Equipment must be provided by the presenting organization/producer. In addition to the rental fees, staffing charges are required.

Please contact Seven Venues for a current personnel rate sheet and more detailed information on rental requirements and regulations.

Box Office Information
May be obtained from the Department of Civic Facilities. All events must end by 11:00 p.m.