The July 2004 opening of The Lion King marked the grand re-opening of the Boston Opera House. Built in 1928 and listed on the National Historic Registry, the building had been closed since 1990. This renovation creates a new presence in Boston for major Broadway touring productions.

The renovation was two-fold: to restore the the building to its Roaring 20’s splendor, as well as expand and redesign the structure to accommodate Broadway touring productions. The $36 million restoration included a new fly-house, expanded stage space, new theatrical production systems, and full restoration of the theatre’s decorative plaster and painting.