Stifel Theatre

Stifel Theatre, formerly known as Peabody Opera House and originally part of the Municipal Auditorium complex, is a historic 3,100-seat theater located in the heart of downtown St. Louis, Missouri. The theater, which has been a cornerstone of St. Louis's cultural landscape, was completed in 1934 and is the only remaining structure from the original complex that also included the 9,300-seat Convention Hall, later known as Kiel Auditorium. Designed by the architectural duo of Louis LaBeaume and Eugene S. Klein, the theater's construction began in 1932 and was part of a broader civic initiative inspired by the City Beautiful movement. This movement aimed to promote moral and civic virtue through the beautification and grandeur of urban spaces. The theater's design is marked by its classic architecture, including eight Corinthian columns and sculptured panels entitled "Discussion" and "Recreation," with inscriptions by Carl Schurz and Woodrow Wilson, respectively. The entrance is guarded by two 10-ton limestone Missouri bears, adding to the grandiosity of the structure. The Stifel Theatre's main auditorium was inaugurated on April 21, 1934, with a production of "Aida" featuring artists from The New York Metropolitan Opera. This event marked the beginning of a rich history of performances by world-renowned artists across various genres, including grand opera, symphony orchestras, and popular music. The theater became a regular stop for The Met's touring company and was the primary venue for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) from 1934 to 1968. Throughout the years, the theater has hosted a plethora of significant cultural events and performances by legendary artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and the Rat Pack. It also served as a venue for important civic events, including a historically significant speech by President Harry S. Truman in 1948. After a period of closure, the theater underwent a significant restoration and reopened in 2011 as Peabody Opera House, with a grand opening gala featuring Aretha Franklin and Jay Leno. It has since been renamed Stifel Theatre following a naming rights partnership with Stifel Financial Corp. The theater continues to play host to a wide variety of events, including concerts, comedies, theatricals, family shows, and holiday productions. The Stifel Theatre's commitment to cultural enrichment is further underscored by the St. Louis Opera House Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing educational and cultural opportunities in the St. Louis region through world-class performances. Today, the Stifel Theatre stands as a testament to St. Louis's cultural heritage and continues to write new chapters in its storied history, providing a space for both the community and international artists to come together and celebrate the performing arts.