A sellout Cincinnati Opera audience at the Zoo Pavilion in 1962.
The long life of Cincinnati Opera did not start where you might expect. Before Cincinnati Music Hall became the home of Cincinnati Opera, opera performances were staged in a most unexpected setting: the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. From 1920 to 1971—for more than five decades—arias echoed among the majestic animals and greenery of the zoo grounds. Renowned artists such as Beverly Sills, Montserrat Caballé, and Sherrill Milnes graced the Zoo Pavilion, performing alongside the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Every now and then, the occasional peacock cry would become part of the evening’s performance.
As the Cincinnati Zoo celebrates its 150th anniversary, it’s the perfect moment to revisit this surprising and historic partnership between two of the city’s most beloved institutions. With a peak seating capacity of 4,000, the Zoo Pavilion quickly became a favorite destination for both opera lovers and newcomers. Its inaugural season sold out completely, setting the stage for a long and successful run. Interestingly, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is the second oldest in the United States after the Philadelphia Zoo, similar to Cincinnati Opera, which is the nation’s second oldest opera company. For many longtime fans, the “zoo years” remain an unforgettable era—a time when music, nature, and community came together in a space that was both untraditional and magical. Bravo to the Cincinnati Zoo for 150 amazing years!