The Orpheum is a stunning concert hall located in Vancouver. Originally designed by American architect B. Marcus Priteca in 1927 for vaudeville shows, it began operating primarily as a movie theatre in the early 1930s. Following a public campaign in 1974 that saved the building from major commercial redevelopment, the City of Vancouver acquired the Orpheum. After renovations between 1975 and 1977, the theatre reopened as a modern performing arts venue with a seating capacity of over 2,600. Today, the Orpheum is the permanent home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1979. Read more on vancouver-trend.
Origins of the Orpheum Theatre
The current Orpheum is the fourth theatre in Vancouver to bear that name. It was built in 1927 on Granville Street, designed by B. Marcus Priteca, a Seattle-based architect who specialized in theatres on the West Coast of the US and Canada. Architect Frederick J. Peters was also involved in the project. The construction of the 3,000-seat venue cost $1.25 million and was financed by Vancouver businessman Joseph Langer. The theatre later became part of a Chicago-based chain of 17 similarly named Canadian venues.
The theatre had its soft opening on November 6, 1927, with the official grand opening the following day. For a long time, the Orpheum‘s stage was a vaudeville venue, hosting acts like the Marx Brothers and Rudy Vallée. However, this era ended with the onset of the Great Depression. After the Chicago-based company went bankrupt and public tastes shifted, the building was acquired by the Famous Players chain and transformed into a prestigious movie theatre, often called a “movie palace.” In addition to film screenings, it occasionally hosted plays and concerts. Artists who performed at the Orpheum between the 1930s and 1970s included Marian Anderson, Arthur Rubinstein, Louis Armstrong, and Frank Sinatra.
The Fight to Save the Orpheum
Thanks to the successful efforts of its director and promoter, Ivan Ackery, the Orpheum gained iconic status among Vancouverites. However, the building gradually fell into disrepair, and in 1973, Famous Players announced plans to convert it into a multiplex cinema. This news sparked widespread public protest, leading to a campaign to purchase the theatre and transform it into a concert hall. The initiative was spearheaded by the Vancouver Arts Council, which secured the support of then-Mayor Art Phillips. The City Council managed to raise additional funds from federal and provincial sources, as well as private donations. As a result, the building was purchased in March 1974 for $3.9 million. The subsequent renovation and restoration took place from 1975 to 1977, cost approximately $3.2 million, and was handled by the architectural firm Thompson, Berwick, Pratt & Partners.
The Orpheum reopened as a concert hall on April 2, 1977. The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra performed at the gala event and subsequently made the theatre its permanent home. The inaugural concert also featured a performance by artist Maureen Forrester. The theatre has since undergone several more renovations: in 1983 and 1995, and again in the early 21st century due to the construction of a neighbouring residential complex and in preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Architecture and Design
The Vancouver Orpheum is a classic example of a 1920s theatre and “movie palace,” creating a special atmosphere with its grand auditorium, spacious foyer, and lavish decorations. The venue features the hallmarks of Marcus Priteca’s designs: an auditorium ceiling with an integrated dome, a deep cantilevered balcony with an optimal seating rake for clear sightlines, an orchestra pit, and a mezzanine. Priteca’s architecture is known for its luxurious feel, achieved through intricate plaster ornamentation over reinforced concrete structures. The building’s style is a blend of several architectural influences. The main lobby’s vaults, the terracotta underside of the entrance canopy, and the travertine cladding on the walls and columns are reminiscent of Italian architecture. The decor also includes British-style crests, Bohemian crystal chandeliers, and organ screens that show a Moorish influence. The ceiling murals combine exotic motifs with baroque draperies. The 36.5-metre central dome is supported by steel trusses, eliminating the need for view-obstructing support columns. A series of maple arches leading to the stage creates a sense of spatial unity.
The theatre’s exterior is designed in a Neoclassical style, characterized by a symmetrical facade finished with brick and terracotta. Key features include decorative pylons, large arched windows, and an elegant balustrade adorning the upper roofline. The facade is also distinguished by its entrance canopies and the iconic vertical neon sign on the Granville Street side, adding to the building’s sophisticated look and underscoring its historical significance.
Transformation into a Concert Hall
During the Orpheum‘s conversion from a movie theatre to a concert hall, significant work was done to improve its acoustics. This was highly praised by Gerald Jarvis, concertmaster of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, who noted its “warm, rich European sound,” a stark contrast to the “cold” acoustics of most North American concert halls. Originally, starting in 1928, the central oval dome was covered with sound-absorbing tiles—a common feature in cinemas of that era. However, during the 1970s restoration, the tiles were replaced, and the dome was adorned with a mural that became one of the theatre’s main architectural highlights. The mural, painted by Tony Heinsbergen, depicts the figure of Orpheus surrounded by a crowd listening spellbound to his music.
The Orpheum is also home to a historic Wurlitzer organ, originally used to accompany silent films. After being restored, the organ is now featured in organ recitals and select orchestral performances. Additionally, the theatre houses the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, with its accompanying StarWalk on the adjacent sidewalk, honouring prominent figures from the province’s entertainment industry.
Interesting Facts About the Cultural Hub
- In 2009, as part of preparations for the 2010 Winter Olympics, the urban infrastructure around the Orpheum was upgraded, including new lighting and streetscape improvements.
- The theatre regularly hosts international music festivals, such as the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, further cementing its status as a world-class cultural centre.
- In 2018, the stage and sound systems underwent another modernization, enabling the venue to host the most technologically advanced concert productions.
- In addition to classical concerts, the Orpheum has become a venue for film screenings, lectures, and charitable events, expanding its role in community life.
- The theatre building has appeared in numerous films and TV series, including the popular show The X-Files, making it recognizable far beyond Canada.
