The seating capacity is 426 at maximum capacity. In 1970 the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Newberry Historical Society in 1969 promoted the preservation of the Opera House, as did several other community groups. By 1959, there was talk about tearing it down, but a public outcry stopped the wrecking ball.

In 1952 with the showing of The Outlaw, the Opera House was closed as a movie theater. Slowly, movies replaced the big stage shows, and in the 1920’s the Opera House was remodeled as a movie theater. A 'Thomas Edison Talkie' was presented in the late teens. Silent 'moving pictures' were shown at the Opera House in the early 1900’s. Meetings, dances, college commencement exercises, and musicals were held in the spacious auditorium. The Opera House was used not only by professional performers, but also by the community. Howard Tower town clock which was 90 feet from the ground. The building had a tower 130 feet high topped with a garfish weather vane, and the tower housed an E. In connection with the hall were a ticket office, a 'green room', a cloakroom, and three dressing rooms. The floor had an inclination of two feet four inches from the rear of the hall to the stage. The second floor was a hall 53 by 52 feet with a stage 29 by 52 feet. The original design called for the first floor to house the fire engine room, council chambers, a clerk’s office, a police officer, and three jail cells. Local craftsmen’s and artisans’ talents in woodworking and masonry were used throughout the construction of the original building. The granite used in the construction came from a quarry approximately two miles outside of the city limits. The building was constructed with brick from three local brickyards.

The building is an excellent example of Victorian civic eclectic architecture. The building was designed as a place of entertainment for the local citizenry and as a seat of government for the city. Norman, architect from Columbia, S.C., designed the French Gothic inspired structure. The Newberry Opera House was completed in 1881 at a cost of $30,000.

Newberry opera house photos