Bent's Opera House

About

Bent’s Opera House is one of Medina’s most iconic landmarks and a must-see destination for visitors exploring Orleans County. Constructed in 1864 from locally quarried Medina sandstone, the opera house opened in 1865 with its first major event featuring P.T. Barnum of Barnum’s Museum in New York City, who spoke on “The Art of Making Money.”

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Bent’s served as a cultural hub for the region. It hosted a wide range of events, including theatrical performances by notable actors, school graduations, lectures by prominent orators and even live coverage of election results. The third-floor opera hall was the centerpiece of Medina’s civic and cultural life for generations.

Bent’s Opera House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was named to the New York State Preservation League’s “Seven to Save” list in 2012, highlighting it as one of the state’s most endangered historic buildings. Local developers Roger Hungerford and Heather Farnsworth led an ambitious three-year restoration, carefully preserving the building’s character while giving it new life.

In 2021, Bent’s Opera House reopened with a new purpose. The first floor is now home to the Harvest restaurant. The second floor features a boutique hotel with 10 individually designed rooms. The fully restored third-floor opera hall serves as an event space for concerts, weddings and community gatherings. In recognition of its significance and revitalization, Bent’s was inducted into the Medina Sandstone Hall of Fame in 2023.

Today, Bent’s Opera House stands as a shining example of preservation success, blending historic charm with contemporary hospitality. It has earned honors such as the Barber Conable Award from the Landmark Society of Western New York and the 2023 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award from the Preservation League of New York State. Visitors to Medina will find Bent’s not only visually striking but also rich in history and character.