The Orpheum Vancouver
Vancouver's Orpheum Theatre, a beautifully restored 1927 heritage building, is the premier concert hall in the city and home to the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Step into a world of timeless elegance at The Orpheum. Opened in 1927 as a vaudeville house, this opulent theatre is now a National Historic Site and one of North America's most beautiful concert venues. After being saved from demolition by public outcry in the 1970s, it was meticulously restored to its original grandeur. Attending a performance here isn't just a night out—it's an experience.
Why Visit The Orpheum?
- Historic Grandeur: Experience a performance in a stunningly beautiful, historic setting with ornate decorations and world-class acoustics.
- World-Class Performances: As the home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO), it hosts a calendar full of classical, pop, and film score concerts.
- Diverse Programming: Beyond the VSO, The Orpheum welcomes a wide range of international musicians, comedians, and speakers.
- Central Location: Located in the heart of the Granville Entertainment District, it's easy to get to by SkyTrain and is surrounded by restaurants and bars.
What to See & Do
- Attend a VSO Concert: Experience the incredible sound of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in their home venue.
- See a Live Show: Check the event calendar for a diverse lineup of concerts, comedy shows, and other live performances.
- Admire the Architecture: Arrive a little early to simply take in the magnificent interior, from the grand staircase to the domed ceiling with its crystal chandelier.
- Take a Tour: Occasionally, guided tours are offered that delve into the history and architecture of the building. Check the Vancouver Civic Theatres website for availability.
Food & Drink Options
- In-Theatre Bars: The Orpheum has bars on-site offering drinks and light snacks before the show and during intermission.
- Granville Street Restaurants: The theatre is surrounded by a vast number of restaurants and bars, offering everything from quick pre-show bites to fine dining experiences.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Book in Advance: Popular shows, especially VSO performances of movie scores or holiday concerts, sell out quickly.
- Dress Code: While there's no strict dress code, many patrons choose to dress up a bit (smart casual or better) for an evening at the symphony, making the experience feel more special.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to find your seat and admire the stunning interior before the performance begins.
Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)
- Vancouver Art Gallery: Located just a few blocks away, perfect for a pre-show visit.
- Robson Square: A bustling public square that features an ice rink in the winter.
- Queen Elizabeth Theatre: Another major performance venue is just a short walk away.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesThe Orpheum Vancouver Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 601 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3L4, Canada
Phone: (604) 665-3035
Official Website: The Orpheum Vancouver
The Orpheum Vancouver Reviews
Rated out of 5
Always a treat to visit this gorgeous feast for the eyes historical venue. Very impressed by their concert set-up ... the acoustics were excellent. The ushers were friendly and helpful. The seats were comfy. Always love returning time after time to the Orpheum.
D D - 2 months ago
The Orpheum Theater is a beautifully designed venue with stunning architecture and a great atmosphere. The sound system was excellent—clear and powerful, making the experience even more enjoyable. The management was also outstanding, ensuring everything ran smoothly. A truly impressive place for any performance!
Afsaneh Zandi - 2 months ago
We had tickets to see the VSO perform the music of Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone as we watched the movie. It had been quite a long time since we last been to one of these performances.
The Orpheum is a beautiful venue and we like seeing performances there. It has an old world charm and reminds us of a bygone era.
Before the performance we had a great dinner at Rogue. There was a very short lineup to enter then we found our seats. We were in the balcony near the back with the first 4 seats next to the aisle. There were many people already seated and it appeared to be sold out.
To enjoy the show we ordered 2 bags of popcorn, 1 bag of sour candy, 2 water & 1 7up. You can watch a movie without snacks!
The movie with the symphony was so much better and took it to another level. The musicians were excellent! The seats were cramped and both my wife and I have knee problems so at intermission we switched and she had the aisle seat. Our boys found it hard as well as they are 6’2” and 6’3”. We were happy to leave for our knees sake but overall really enjoyed the performance!
Patrick Graham - 3 months ago
This is a gorgeous old theater and has been kept up for the most part. Seating is decently comfortable and there's legroom. It's big! Holds more than 2,700 people.
Kat Sykes - 4 months ago
Went for a stand up show. The theatre is amazing with a nice view of the stage. The only challenge was the seats are close so when you have to take a break and get up you will have to pass the entire row uncomfortably.
The food could use more better options.
Ritika Parab - a month ago
Directions
| SkyTrain Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo Line | Granville Station | ~4 Minutes |
| Canada Line | Vancouver City Centre Station | ~3 Minutes |
How to get to The Orpheum Vancouver by SkyTrain
No bus needed. From Granville Station (Expo Line), exit onto Granville Street and walk south for two blocks. From Vancouver City Centre Station (Canada Line), exit onto Granville Street and walk one block south.
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Accommodations near The Orpheum Vancouver:
Photo Gallery
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Orpheum Theatre Ceiling cc licensed photo by colink. -
Orpheum Theatre Neon Sign added in the 70's cc licensed photo by radiobread
