Stivanello Costume Company to Close by Late 2026
The century-old Queens business is liquidating its expansive inventory after facing a prolonged downturn in the opera industry.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Opera
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The Stivanello Costume Company will conclude its century-long run in late 2026 following a difficult two-year slump for the opera sector. The firm is currently liquidating its massive costume collection through a sale at its Queens warehouse.
Why it matters
The closure reflects the lasting economic strain on specialized performance services that struggled to rebound after the Covid-19 pandemic. Owner Robert Stivanello cites ongoing financial losses as the catalyst for shuttering the family operation.
Founded in 1924, the company maintained operations for over a century, providing elaborate costumes to major opera organizations across Venezuela, Canada, and the United States. Current liquidation efforts follow a two-year decline in the industry.
The players
Robert Stivanello
He is the third-generation owner of the Stivanello Costume Company and is 68 years old.
Stivanello Costume Company
This is a historic costume provider based in a Queens warehouse that served international opera companies.
The details
As the third-generation owner, 68-year-old Robert Stivanello decided to wind down the business after years of failed attempts to stabilize operations. The warehouse sale marks the final chapter for a firm that once served as a primary costume supplier for international stages.
Timeline
The Stivanello Costume Company began operations in 1924.
The company conducted a going-out-of-business sale in October 2026.
The business is scheduled to officially close in late 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The closure of the Stivanello Costume Company follows the broader pattern of the post-Covid-19 economic contraction of the performing arts industry. This exit highlights the fragility of niche artisan suppliers within the global opera ecosystem after recent market shifts.
Local opera companies and theaters can access the remaining inventory through the ongoing liquidation sale at the Queens facility. Buyers should contact the warehouse directly to inquire about specific costume availability before the final closure date.
The takeaway
The end of this long-standing business serves as a reminder of how niche creative industries rely on consistent demand for survival. For collectors and institutions, the liquidation sale offers a final opportunity to acquire historic stage wardrobe pieces.
Further reading
Find more updates on the state of the arts in our Opera section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New York Times.
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