Thalian Hall Wilmington NC Cape Fearby *davidmcb

Photography / Architecture / Interior

Thalian Hall Wilmington NC Cape Fear
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Majestic Thalian Hall

When Thalian Hall was constructed, Wilmington was a bustling and growing city with an active theatrical group, the Thalian Association, dating back to 1788. In response to the need for a location for the performing arts, the city built Thalian Hall as a combination opera house and a seat for local government – with a library thrown in for good measure. When the theater opened on October 12, 1858, it seated 950 people.

As a major stop on the national touring circuit, Thalian Hall hosted well-known entertainers and attractions of the period including Lillian Russell, Buffalo Bill Cody, John Phillip Sousa, Maurice Barrymore and Sir Henry Lauder. After the turn of the century, the facility was renovated and updated for electricity, but by the thirties, with the decline in traveling road shows, activity at Thalian Hall dwindled.[link]

David McBride Photography