Early Omaha: Gateway to the West
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ACADEMY OF MUSIC

The Academy of Music, Omaha’s first permanent theatre, opened in 1867. It was located in the center of the Caldwell Block. In this image, the sign for the Academy of Music is directly under the Caldwell Block sign and to the right of the Omaha Republican sign. The Caldwell Block referred to the south side of Douglas Street between 13th and 14th streets. In addition to the Academy of Music, the Caldwell Block housed the Omaha National Bank, the Omaha Republican (a newspaper), a restaurant, a book bindery, and a photograph gallery. Considered a “magnificent theatre for Omaha” (Sorenson, History of Omaha, p.195), the Academy of Music was the only permanent theatre in Omaha until Boyd’s Opera House opened in 1881.

Becker, H. W. “Omaha: A Century in Photos – Business District Sprouts.” Omaha Sun Newspaper. 11 June 1970.

Becker, H. W. “Omaha: A Century in Photos – When the Omaha National Was Young.” Omaha Sun Newspaper. 24 August 1970.

Harper, Robert D. “Theatrical Entertainment in Early Omaha.” Nebraska History, June 1955. Page 93.

Sorenson, Alfred. History of Omaha from the Pioneer Days to the Present Time. Omaha: Gibson, Miller, and Richardson, 1889. Pages 195-196.

Sorenson, Alfred. The Story of Omaha from the Pioneer Days to the Present Time. Omaha: National Printing Company, 1923. Page 241.