Discover Oshkosh was lucky enough to get a sneak peek of the upcoming Haunted Happenings at The Grand Oshkosh. The Ghost tour highlights both the history of the Grand as well as the many spirit stories that have come about over the 140 years of operation.
History of The Grand
The idea of a beautiful performing art center in Oshkosh was organized by a group of women and eventually was built by local architect William Waters over the span of 10 months. The Grand Opera House opened in August of 1883 and could originally seat up to around 1,000 people (with the assistance of chairs in the available spaces and "jump seats" which folded out from the walls and ends of seats). As years passed and ownership changed hands, the productions and acts that once took the stage transitioned into a movie theater. In the 1980's the first renovation began and included the addition of the adjacent property, which provided a space for restrooms, a bigger lobby area, and additional offices. The second renovation began in 2009 and helped to restore The Grand structure as well as refurbish the venues original craftsmanship including the replication of the original ceiling mural. The Grand Oshkosh is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and seats 550 today.
Some fun facts! Originally a chimney in the middle of the theater ceiling and two fireplaces in the "warming rooms" were the only heating for the venue! Another fun fact - When the Grand Opera House shifted to showing movies, the entrance to the venue was moved and an apartment was added above the original entrance in order to house the movie theaters manager.
Other fun facts:
- Has had multiple names over the years such as The Oshkosh Opera House, Granada.
- It has had many purposes, movie theatre, opera house, x rated movie theater.
- In the 80s the grand was in disrepair. Community members started a stand with the grand movement to have a referendum be offered to citizens regarding the destiny of the building. 2/3 of the city voted that the city of Oshkosh should acquire, restore and engage in the operation of The Grand Opera House.
- The grands current capacity is 550. Before fire codes they would fit over 1000 people in the theater by using jump seats and the aisles.
- We can thank women for the grand being in existence. Back in 1883, women convicted their husbands they needed an opera house.
Haunted Happenings Ghost Tour
The Grand is known to be haunted by multiple spirits such as a woman who never made it to opening night, a former stage manager, a little boy, and a pup!
Family Friendly Tours start at 12:00 p.m. with the last tour starting at 6:00 p.m. (30 minutes each) covering the history of The Grand, seeing behind the scenes of the theatre, and hearing spirit stories. Rated PG. Walk-ins welcome. Tours leave at the top of the hour and half hour. These tours are happening each Sunday October 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th.
This includes a walking tour of the Grand Oshkosh's auditorium as well as The Grand basement. After the tour, stop by The Grand lounge for some seriously spooky drinks! Or plan to attend an upcoming Cocktail Class and learn to make some kooky spooky craft cocktails!
Spirits of The Grand Tours give patrons the chance to embrace the haunted while also enjoying the theatrical aspects of this historic venue. Historic characters, both real and imagined, are center stage in this interactive guided tour. Led by interactive actor/tour guides, you’ll travel from lobby to auditorium to balcony to basement to dressing rooms, each with its own story and the “spirits” around to tell them. Rated PG-13. These tours run October 10-12 & 17-19.
Other Spooky Events at The Grand
Check out a list of all spooky things happening at The Grand this Halloween season! From Cocktail Classes to Glow Yoga and Trick or Trivia, there is something every single day in October.
