Luanne Franklin is Director of Performing Arts for the Lexington Opera House. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Lexington Opera House is one of the premiere performing arts centers in the region. Originally constructed in 1886 after a fire had destroyed the original theatre located on the corner of Main and Broadway, the “new” Opera House, designed by Oscar Cobb, opened its doors on July 19, 1887 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most well-designed and well-equipped theaters in the nation.  The distinctly 19th century ambience is one of the most charming features of the restored theatre. With less than 1,000 seats, the venue currently serves an average of 85,000 patrons annually, and remains a premier cultural destination in downtown Lexington.