Built in 1891, it became a premier arts venue in Southwest Texas for plays, musicals, and cultural performances.

The Opera House is the oldest functioning theater in the state of Texas and presents plays and concerts by local and touring companies.

The Opera House was built by a partnership formed between local businessmen, merchants and ranchers called the Uvalde Real Estate and Building Company.

In typical Texas opera house style of the period, the building has the auditorium above commercial spaces on the first floor.

In July, 1978, the dilapidated property, now owned by the descendants of Garner, was donated to the City of Uvalde.