Orpheum Theatre

One of the oldest venues in North America, the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver has been the site of some of the most memorable performances in modern history. With a capacity of just under 2,800, the Orpheum provides an intimate, deluxe experience to all who attend a performance set against this historic backdrop.

 

History of the Orpheum Theatre

The Orpheum first opened its doors in 1927, where it was primarily used as a vaudeville performance space. It was the biggest theater in Canada at the time of its opening. Once vaudeville fell out of style, the Orpheum was converted into a movie theater and would remain that way until the 1970s when the city bought the venue to renovate it and place it on Canada’s national landmark register.

Since its grand re-opening, the Orpheum has been the site of many live performances. It’s the permanent home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and it’s also been featured as a shooting site for a number of big-budget television productions, the most famous being the 2004 Battlestar Galactica reboot.

 

What Makes the Orpheum Theatre So Special?

The Orpheum has a number of really iconic qualities that make any concert there stand out. First, the restored interior is gorgeous with vaulted ceilings, incredible crystal chandeliers, plush classic opera house-style seating, and a breathtaking proscenium around the lush, antique wooden stage. As if that wasn’t enough, the acoustics of the Orpheum are some of the best anywhere. This means there’s no such thing as a bad seat in the entire house, from the orchestra pit to the balcony and beyond. Oh, did we mention the balcony? Yup, this place is like stepping back in time. Even better, you get to keep your WiFi access. What’s not to like?

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Orpheum Theatre located?

Orpheum Theatre is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Canada. 

 

What kind of events does Orpheum Theatre host?

As a musical theatre, Orpheum Theatre events include concerts, and of course, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. In addition to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the modern Orpheum hosts lots of different events. These have included Itzhak Perlman, Shin Lin, Angel Olsen, Dead Can Dance, National Geographic Live, Ben Harper… the list goes on and on.

 

Which team is playing at Orpheum Theatre?

As this is a performance theater no team plays here. 

 

Where can I park for free at Orpheum Theatre?

There is no official parking for the Orpheum Theatre. However, there are many parking lots nearby, in general, the further away the lot, the cheaper it will be. There are also metered parking options available on the roads near and around the theatre. But, be aware of the two-hour parking limit, as you will be ticketed or towed. Free parking is available to ticketholders at the Bell Performing Arts Centre and Centennial Theatre, nearby.

 

What is the seating capacity of Orpheum Theatre?

Orpheum Theatre events can host up to 2,780 spectators. 

 

Who owns Orpheum Theatre?

Orpheum Theatre is owned by the City of Vancouver.

 

How do I get to Orpheum Theatre using public transport?

Fans itching for a chance to ditch the car, finally can when attending Orpheum Theatre events. The theatre is easily accessible by bus, you can catch the 010 or 014 for example, and is only a short walk from Skytrain’s Canada Line. So, no matter where you’re coming from, there’s an option for you.