Dedication and opening ceremonies were held Sunday, December 5, 1926, at 3 p.m. Catholic, Protestant and Jewish clergymen joined judges David G. Jenkins and J. D. Kennedy in accepting the building for the citizens of the area. Architect Harvey Wiley Corbett described the auditorium, and the Masonic Glee Club and Mrs. David Stambaugh provided special music. Highlighting the afternoon was a tour of the entire building opened to public.

The opening concert was held Monday December 6, 1926. Sponsored by the Monday Musical Club, the program featured world-renowned humorist Will Rogers and the DeReszke Singers. The Monday Musical series that season also included soprano Marion Talley, the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra with pianist Margaret Hamilton, tenor Giovanni Martinelli and Rosa Ponselle. Along one side of the main floor is a hallway featuring artists who have graced the stage since that first season. Another hall contains memorabilia gathered since 1926.