Home to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Orpheum Theatre is a large theatre and live music venue located in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
It’s a beautiful venue!
Lots of events happen at the Orpheum Theatre. In early 2024, for example, in addition to a number of performances, there are Tours of the Theatre on February 10th & 17th and March 9th. There are also Silent Movie Mondays events including the film Torrent on February 12th and Go West on April 8th. On February 13th there is also a Free Concert that’s part of LunarFest and that festival’s celebrations of the Lunar New Year.
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About the Theatre | Where is the Orpheum? | Events | Other Information
The Orpheum Theatre
A classic part of Vancouver’s music and theatre scene, the Orpheum Theatre opened its doors in 1927. Except for a few necessary renovations and technological upgrades, the theatre has been preserved for the most part with its original antique decor.
The Orpheum is a part of the Vancouver Civic Theatres group of live performance venues. Other theatres in this group include the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the Vancouver Playhouse. They are all owned and managed by the City of Vancouver.
About the Theatre
When the theatre first opened in 1927 it operated as a vaudeville house. It was later transformed into a movie theatre, and then to its current status as a theatre and live music venue.
From the outside the building looks quite nondescript. However, the entrance features wide, sweeping staircases and ornate decorations. The main auditorium even has a chandelier and a ceiling mural!
The seating in the auditorium is split into two levels. The orchestra level is the lower level of seats that is closer to the stage. Seating at the balcony level is above the orchestra level.
Where is the Orpheum?
The Orpheum Theatre’s address is 601 Smithe Street in downtown Vancouver. There are two audience entrances: one is found at 601 Smithe Street and the other is around the corner at 884 Granville Street.
Events at the Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum is home to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and hosts most of its performances. The venue also features performances from some of the city’s local music groups, such as the Vancouver Bach Choir and VAM Symphony Orchestra, as well as artists from all over the world. There are Public Tours of the venue on select days each month, usually on Saturdays. In addition, there are educational lectures, film screenings and other family-friendly shows to enjoy.
Check the VCT Website for a list of upcoming events.
Other Information
For more details about this theatre, visit the Vancouver Civic Theatres website.
Other articles that may be of interest include the following:
- Orpheum Theatre Public Tours
- Vancouver Civic Theatres Events
- Festivals and Events Calendar
- Vancouver Shows and Entertainment Calendar
- Entertainment in Vancouver
- Vancouver Theatre Companies and Venues
- Choirs and Music in Vancouver
