Named after AVA’s founder and first president, Helen Corning Warden, the magnificent theater space was added to the original structure in 1902. The theater space features bas-relief friezes based on themes from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a mosaic inlaid fireplace, carved wooden beams and seven oil-on canvas paintings by Ellen Day Hale and Gabrielle de Veaux Clements, students of William Morris Hunt at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Learn more. 

Accessibility:

• For our patrons needing an accessible entrance, AVA has ramp access in the back of our building on 19th and Delancey. For questions and to schedule access, please contact AVA Box Office Manager Bill Buddendorf at bbuddendorf@avaopera.org or 215-735-1685 ext. 17.