Bird Cage Theatre

Bird Cage Theatre, 6th and Allen sts., was built in 1881 and remains virtually unchanged, with the original fixtures, furnishings and interior still intact. A combination theater, saloon and dance hall, the theater was known in its heyday as the bawdiest nightspot between Basin Street and the Barbary Coast. The refrain from the song “Only a Bird in a Gilded Cage” was inspired by this opera house saloon. Various ghost tours of the building are offered.

Guided tours are available. Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.