The venue which we all know and love, the Orpheum concert hall, is giving you a chance to get to know it a little better.
Tours are being offered to show off the rich history and surprising stories of the Orpheum, built by renowned architect Marcus Priteca who designed 220 theatres across the continent during the era.
The tour of the 87-year-old Vancouver theatre will give you the chance to hear the history behind the theatre and what’s happened there since its creation. With a mixture of Spanish Renaissance and hints of Morocco, the Taj Mahal, Moorish arches and British heraldry, the Orpheum boasts of soaring lines, gold leaf and grand staircases.
It houses the “Mighty Wurlitzer” which is the last theatre organ in Canada still in its original home. The Orpheum was scheduled for demolition in the early-1970s and there was public outcry.
“Thankfully, the City of Vancouver bought the theatre with the help of private citizens and other levels of government support. The Orpheum was saved!” said Norman Young, past Chair and Commissioner Emeritus of the Vancouver Civic Theatres Board. The Orpheum is now owned and managed by the City of Vancouver.
Some of the stories you can expect to hear include anecdotes from former theatre manager Ivan Ackery, and even a surprising tale about Frank Sinatra.
Get to know one of the best venues in Vancouver a little more intimately with one of the Orpheum’s tours.
Vancouver Orpheum Theatre Historic Guided Tours 2014
Date: Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday until August 31
Time: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (arrive by 10:50 a.m. at the Smithe Street entrance)
Location: Orpheum, 601 Smithe Street at Seymour
Cost: Minimum $10 donation
Group Size: 12+
Featured Image: Orpheum (Facebook)
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