Wheeleroperahouse Apr 2026

: The theater was boarded up and abandoned for nearly 30 years, eventually purchased by the City of Aspen in 1918 for just $1,155 in back taxes. Renovation & Fame (1940s–Present)

The building’s rebirth began in the late 1940s when Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke arrived to transform Aspen into a world-class ski resort. wheeleroperahouse

: While the first fire was minor, a second blaze nine days later started in three separate locations simultaneously, confirming it was arson. : The theater was boarded up and abandoned

After the silver market crashed in 1893, Aspen entered its "Quiet Years". The Wheeler struggled to stay afloat by showing silent films until two suspicious fires broke out in November 1912. After the silver market crashed in 1893, Aspen

: Since its reopening, the Wheeler has hosted legendary performers like John Denver , Lyle Lovett , and Judy Collins . It also helped launch the careers of comedians like Dave Chappelle and Bill Maher through the HBO Comedy Arts Festival.