Home to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Orpheum Theatre is a large theatre and live music venue located in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

So many events happen at the Orpheum including plays and concerts. Special film events take place there too. On December 9th, for example, there is the Kings of Comedy silent, black and white film which is accompanied by live music on an antique organ.

For a list of what’s showing at the Orpheum, see the vancouvercivictheatres.com website. It’s a beautiful venue and the shows there are usually amazing.

Click on any of the following to skip to a specific section:

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.

Orpheum Theatre Interior Seating — Seating in 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.

Silent Movie Mondays

One of the top events hosted at the Orpheum is Silent Movie Mondays. The screenings showcase some of the most famous black-and-white films from the 1920s, accompanied by live music performed in the theatre.

The schedule for the 2024/25 season is listed below. All the events begin at 7:30 pm.

October 28th, 2024 – The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
December 9th, 2024 – Kings of Comedy
March 10th, 2025 – Piccadilly
June 2nd, 2025 – The Gold Rush

More 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.

Check the VCT Website for the full list of upcoming events.

Children's Performance at the Orpheum Theatre — Inside the Orpheum Theatre

Other Events Hosted by Vancouver Civic Theatres

Another series of events hosted by Vancouver Civic Theatres is the National Geographic Live Speakers Series at the Vancouver Playhouse.

Each event includes both a film/photo screening as well as an optional meet and greet with the people behind fascinating National Geographic works.

The three shows in the 2024/25 season include an evening event, as well as a matinee made for elementary and high school students. The matinees are all at 11:00 am, and the evening shows are all at 7:30 pm.

Below is the schedule for 2024/25. All the shows are on Wednesdays, and include a live speaker accompanying the video and photos shown.