Historic Theater Elegance in Dover, Delaware

The Schwartz Center for the Arts is a historic theater and private event venue in Dover, Kent County, Delaware, featuring a 555-seat auditorium and smaller event spaces for gatherings of up to 75 guests. Located in downtown Dover, this beautifully restored landmark combines early twentieth-century architecture, Art Deco details, and more than a century of entertainment history.

Originally opened in 1904 as the Dover Opera House, the building has welcomed generations of audiences for live performances, films, and community events. Today, under the ownership of Delaware State University, it offers an atmospheric setting for celebrations, receptions, presentations, and cultural gatherings.

And really, how often does your event venue come with its own marquee?

Event Spaces & Capacity

The Schwartz Center offers several indoor spaces for events of different sizes, from theater-style presentations to smaller private gatherings.

• Historic Theater — 555 Guests: The restored auditorium features traditional theater seating, a stage, and Art Deco architectural details. Ideal for performances, presentations, ceremonies, and programs requiring a seated audience.

• McNinch Hall — Up to 60 Guests: A multipurpose event space suited to smaller receptions, meetings, and social gatherings.

• Ballroom — Up to 75 Guests: An additional multipurpose space for private celebrations, receptions, and special events.

The combination of a historic auditorium and smaller gathering spaces makes the Schwartz Center particularly appealing for events that blend entertainment, presentations, and socializing.

A Century of Dover History

Few Delaware event venues have a story quite like the Schwartz Center.

Built in 1904 as the Dover Opera House, the theater originally hosted touring vaudeville performances. By the 1920s, motion pictures had become a major attraction.

In 1922, George Schwartz purchased the property, transformed its facade, expanded the seating, and introduced Art Deco styling. Renamed the Capitol Theater, the building became a downtown entertainment destination for decades. After closing in 1982, the theater underwent a major restoration and reopened in 2001 as the Schwartz Center for the Arts.

Today, its historic character remains central to the experience, offering guests a glimpse of Dover's entertainment history without sacrificing the appeal of a modern cultural venue.

Why Couples & Event Planners Love the Schwartz Center

For anyone looking beyond a traditional ballroom, the Schwartz Center offers an experience with a little more theatrical flair.

• Historic Art Deco Architecture: A restored early twentieth-century theater with distinctive architectural character.

• A 555-Seat Auditorium: A dramatic setting for ceremonies, presentations, performances, and larger seated programs.

• Smaller Event Spaces: McNinch Hall and the Ballroom provide options for more intimate gatherings.

• Downtown Dover Location: Situated in the heart of Delaware's capital city.

Bring your next celebration to the stage at one of Dover's most distinctive historic landmarks.

Explore the Schwartz Center for the Arts and inquire about event space availability, rental arrangements, and planning your special occasion.

• A Venue With a Story: More than 120 years of entertainment history add a memorable dimension to any event.