Why The Missouri Theatre Is One of My Favorite Haunted Places in Missouri

Settled into my plush seat for another documentary viewing at the True/False Film Festival, I was captivated by the Missouri Theatre in Columbus. With its gold-trimmed proscenium stage, the kind you only see in historic theaters, I was smitten. But I also had an inkling. An inkling that the audience members gathered to watch How Deep Is Your Love were not the only ones in attendance. It turns out, there may be some permanent audience members at the Missouri Theatre, which belongs to the University of Missouri (known more casually as "Mizzou"). The resident ghosts and the incredible architecture make this is one of my favorite haunted places in Missouri.

You wouldn't know it from the outside, but the Missouri Theatre in Columbia, Missouri, is an ornate movie palace masterpiece. Built in 1928 and fashioned after the Opéra Garnier in Paris, this opulent theater is one you may never want to leave. Perhaps, the spirits residing here felt the same way. Rumor has it that something ghostly walks the halls of this historic landmark, though I haven't met Carlotta—if that is indeed who remains here. It seems that the ghost of an opera singer named Carlotta may call the Missouri Theatre home, or perhaps she is one of a few specters. Maybe the Phantom of the Opera is not the only one drawn to crystal chandeliers and grandiose spaces.

Some have reported hearing sounds of footsteps, banging noises, unexplained noises, and curtains shifting without apparent reason while walking in the building. One could chalk it up to the historic structure making century-old building sounds or settling—but that's no fun. Whether the ghost stories are true or not, I can't say, but it is another good reason to leave the ghost light on when the performances end.

Whether you believe that the theater tradition of the ghost light is to keep ghosts at bay or keep them company is up to you. Personally, I think it's the latter. Since theaters are places where life stories are shown on stage or screen, it only makes sense that spirits remain there after they've shed their mortal coil. Maybe that's why there are so many haunted theaters.

Whether Carlotta or any other spirit lingers in this historic Columbia theater or not, they would undoubtedly be in good company. Columbia, Missouri, has its fair share of ghostly residents, it seems. There are ghost stories, such as that of the David Guitar House, which is said to be haunted by several spirits. Even Stephens College in the city is the subject of several stories about hauntings and paranormal phenomenon, such as visits by Maude Adams, a Broadway actress who also founded the college's theatre department. No matter how you slice it, spirits seem drawn to Columbia. I can't blame them; it is a very charming city.

Want to see the adorable city of CoMo for yourself? Or explore more of Missouri? Try out the Only In Your State travel planner before you start your itinerary planning.

Amanda's time in the Missouri Theatre was part of a trip for the True/False Film Festival hosted by Visit Columbia, MO. All opinions and thoughts are their own, however.