Orpheum Theatre

203 W. Adams Street,
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Unfavorite 11 people favorited this theater

Related Websites

Orpheum Theatre - Phoenix (Official)

Additional Info

Previously operated by: Paramount Pictures Inc.

Architects: Hugh E. Gilbert

Firms: Lescher & Mahoney

Functions: Movies (Classic), Performing Arts

Styles: Atmospheric, Spanish Renaissance

Previous Names: Paramount Theatre, Palace West Theatre

Phone Numbers: Box Office: 602.534.5600
Manager: 602.534.5622

Nearby Theaters

Orpheum postcard

Opened January 5, 1929, with a seating capacity of 1,520, the Orpheum Theatre began its life as a premier movie house and was operated by Paramount Pictures Inc. through their subsidiary Harry Nace. It was sold in 1949 and renamed the Paramount Theatre. In 1968, movies could no longer support the theatre and it closed with Milo O'Shea in “Ulysses” on December 5, 1967 and was sold again. Renamed the Palace West Theatre, the theatre was renovated for stage shows.

In 1977, the theatre returned to movies - showcasing Spanish language films. The city purchased the Orpheum Theatre in 1984 and in 1985 the theatre was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Despite its new honor, the theatre closed, seemingly forever, in 1986.

However, after 11 years of raising funds and renovating, the theatre reopened in 1997 as a performing arts and community events center for the city of Phoenix. Classic movies began to be screened from October 2020.

Recent comments (view all 48 comments)

brianm9943
brianm9943 on May 14, 2010 at 7:33 pm

The Orpheum is a “Must-See” for anyone visiting Phoenix… it’s a gorgeous masterpiece of architecture. Go on one of the free tours, catch a show, and experience an old silent movie accompanied by the theatre organ.
Two other things I don’t think anyone has mentioned so far: I understand there was a search light at the top of the tower which used to revolve when there was a show going on. Also, from the downstairs lounge area, there was a glass ceiling on the one side which allowed you to look up to the street level above and see the people walking by.

IA
IA on May 28, 2013 at 9:41 am

I am reminded, as Cleopatra is being released today on Blu Ray, that I saw it here in 70mm. Arrived late after drive up from Tucson and was happy to have gotten balcony seats. Too bad Phoenix could not have saved The Fox and The Cine Capri also.

Tillthen
Tillthen on November 8, 2013 at 3:28 pm

I saw Bwana Devil here in 1952 in 3S. Great theatre. Terrible movie.

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on April 2, 2015 at 6:23 pm

1931 Orpheum exterior photo with Mae West added, courtesy of Randy Inghram.

rivest266
rivest266 on November 14, 2015 at 9:47 am

January 5th, 1929 grand opening ad in photo section.

Trolleyguy
Trolleyguy on June 27, 2016 at 8:09 am

Official website link: https://phoenix.ticketforce.com/

Joe Vogel
Joe Vogel on June 27, 2016 at 7:58 pm

This page at the Phoenix Opera web site says that the Orpheum has 1,364 seats, 1,062 on the orchestra floor and 302 in the balcony. There’s a link for downloading a seating chart in PDF format.

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on October 17, 2018 at 12:22 pm

September 2018 article says it was built with 1800 seats…

https://imagesarizona.com/the-orpheum-a-monument-to-phoenixs-memory-lane/?fbclid=IwAR1fNHkpYVMNgKYnKUjGq9DUqt5Gcx123pdDVc3bOMOQMwqHNaMSKTP4kAE

ghostguide02
ghostguide02 on December 5, 2018 at 5:06 pm

Be certain to visit the Friends of the Orpheum Theatre (FOTOT) website for history and photos. FOTOT offers free historic tours throughout the year on alternating Tuesdays. Go to https://www.fototphx.org/ for more information.

DavidZornig
DavidZornig on February 17, 2024 at 10:31 am

1944 marque photo in link below.

https://prism.lib.asu.edu/items/30611

You must login before making a comment.

New Comment

Subscribe Want to be emailed when a new comment is posted about this theater?
Just login to your account and subscribe to this theater.