The Grand Opera House, a performing arts center of Mercer University! Built in 1884 and restored and renovated through community support over the years, this historical 1,000-seat theater in downtown Macon remains the premier performing arts venue in Central Georgia. Every season, The Grand brings the very best in live, professional performing arts and entertainment to its stage through its highly popular Broadway Series of nationally touring productions from New York and around the world. In addition to the Broadway Series, The Grand presents a variety of special events throughout the year, including numerous critically acclaimed international artists, seasonal performers, and sold-out Off-Broadway hits. In 1995, Bibb County entered into a lease agreement with Mercer University for operation of The Grand. Under this successful partnership, the County retains ownership of the facility, and Mercer manages operations, fundraising, and programming. In 1996, Mercer created the GrandKids Arts Education Series to meet the growing need for dynamic arts education. Since its inception, the program has grown into one of the largest arts education outreach programs of its type in existence and serves elementary, middle, and high school students throughout Central Georgia. The Grand also serves as a premier rental facility that hosts numerous community organizations year after year as well as new renters each season. It is home to the Macon Symphony Orchestra, The Nutcracker of Middle Georgia, the Macon Civic Club’s Annual Musical Revue, and the Central Georgia Opera Guild.