Curtain of the Golden Opera House
Courtesy Colorado Transcript, Harry G. Cliff Photographer

Golden has long known noted artisans since the daughter of the first Mayor, who drew pictures on her cabin floor as a child, grew up to became the famous photographic artist Gertrude Kasebier. The Golden Opera House, established in 1879 and long ran by John Nicholls, hosted countless theatrical performances of many kinds in addition to community events, political speeches and more. Other live performance venues in Golden have included the Magic Mountain Play House, Heritage Square Opera House, Heritage Square Music Hall, and the Miners Alley Playhouse, and the Golden Thespians long performed in the community. Actors and actresses from Golden have included movie stars Pete and Chick Morrison and Grace McHugh, and playwright John Shanks Lindsay was given a second chance here when he fell on hard times. The Jefferson Symphony Orchestra has thrilled concert goers since it was founded as the Golden Symphony Orchestra in 1953, and the Foothills Art Center has hosted renowned exhibitions since it was established in 1968.