Crosby Theatre
Crosby Theatre began as just 76 acres of farmland before founder John Crosby and acoustician Jack Purcell searched the grounds to find the ideal acoustic setting, a quality that has carried through as the Santa Fe Opera's campus grew. The theater gates open about an hour before each performance, doors open 30 to 45 minutes before, and accessible parking, ushers and two elevators are available, though the house right elevator does not reach the mezzanine.
Before you go
- Official site
- santafeopera.org
- Next festival here
- The Santa Fe Opera, Jul 2 to Aug 28, 2027
Worth knowing before you go
- The house right elevator does not reach the mezzanine, so check which elevator you need.
- Shuttle tickets must be bought by 3pm the day before and can sell out early.
- Ushers can help you from the Box Office to your seat, but ask about 30 to 45 minutes before the performance.
- The site's acoustics were deliberately chosen by founder John Crosby and acoustician Jack Purcell before the theater was built.
Festivals here
Venue basics: Gates open about 1 hour early · Doors open 30 to 45 minutes early · Accessible parking, first come first served.
Is it for you
Choose it if
- You want a theater designed around its own acoustics from the ground up.
- You can plan ahead for shuttle booking or accessible parking.
Think twice if
- You were hoping to book a shuttle at the last minute.
Getting there and parking
The theater gates to the patios open about an hour before each performance, and the theater doors open about 30 to 45 minutes before each performance.
Festival-specific · Santa Fe OperaA round-trip shuttle can be booked, with an early shuttle timed for the Preview Dinner or the first Prelude Talk and a late shuttle arriving 30 minutes before the performance. Shuttle tickets must be purchased by 3pm the day before and can sell out early.
Accessibility
Designated accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles with a valid DMV disability placard or plate. Ushers help patrons from the Box Office to their seats about 30 to 45 minutes before performances, and the main entrances, gift shop and dining areas are ADA compliant.
The theater has two elevators, house right and house left, serving the orchestra, front gate entrance, loge and mezzanine levels, but the house right elevator does not reach the mezzanine. A separate elevator serves the Stieren Orchestra Hall, where the Prelude Talks take place.
Confirm your specific needs with the venue before you travel (santafeopera.org).
Camping
We don't yet have confirmed information about camping at Crosby Theatre. The venue's own pages are the place to check: santafeopera.org.
Recently at Crosby Theatre
THE MAGIC FLUTE | The Santa Fe Opera | 2026 Season
From the venue · Aug 21, 2026
MADAMA BUTTERFLY | The Santa Fe Opera | 2026 Season
From the venue · Aug 21, 2026
RODELINDA | The Santa Fe Opera | 2026 Season
From the venue · Aug 21, 2026
Quick answers
What time do the gates open at Crosby Theatre?
The patio gates open about an hour before each performance, and the theater doors open 30 to 45 minutes before.
Is there accessible parking at Crosby Theatre?
Yes. Designated accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for vehicles with a valid disability placard or plate.
Does every elevator reach every level?
No. The house right elevator does not reach the mezzanine, so use house left or ask an usher for the right route.
Is there a shuttle to Crosby Theatre?
Yes. A round-trip shuttle can be booked, but tickets must be purchased by 3pm the day before and can sell out early.
Can ushers help me get to my seat?
Yes. Ushers are available about 30 to 45 minutes before performances to help patrons from the Box Office to their seats.
Why was this site chosen for the opera?
Founder John Crosby and acoustician Jack Purcell searched the grounds to find the ideal acoustic setting for the house before it was built.
A little history
The Santa Fe Opera's grounds began as just 76 acres, previously a bean farm, a mink farm and a pig farm before becoming a guest ranch. Founder John Crosby and acoustician Jack Purcell searched the property to find the ideal acoustic setting for the house, and that same quality of sound has carried through as the campus has grown.