Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles
The Orpheum Theatre, located in Downtown Los Angeles, opened its doors on February 15, 1926. It was the fourth and final venue in Los Angeles associated with the Orpheum vaudeville circuit. Following a significant $3 million renovation project that commenced in 1989, it stands as the most meticulously restored among the historic movie palaces in the city.
The Orpheum boasts an elegant Beaux Arts facade, designed by renowned movie theater architect G. Albert Lansburgh. Inside, it houses a Mighty Wurlitzer organ, which was installed in 1928 and is one of only three pipe organs still in existence in Southern California.
The Orpheum theaters derive their name from the Greek mythological figure, Orpheus. Shortly after its opening, the venue became a favored stage for performances by prominent entertainers such as burlesque star Sally Rand, the Marx Brothers, Will Rogers, Judy Garland (performing with her family under the name Frances "Baby" Gumm), and comedian Jack Benny. It also hosted legendary jazz artists like Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington. Vaudeville acts continued to grace the Orpheum's stage as late as 1950.
During the 1960s, the theater transitioned into a venue for rock 'n' roll concerts, featuring iconic performers like Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, and Little Stevie Wonder. Today, the meticulously restored Orpheum Theatre serves as a venue for live concerts, movie premieres, and location shoots. It has hosted various events, including a performance by the love metal band HIM for their live CD/DVD album "Digital Versatile Doom" and the live broadcast of the 2010 Streamy Awards.
The Orpheum boasts an elegant Beaux Arts facade, designed by renowned movie theater architect G. Albert Lansburgh. Inside, it houses a Mighty Wurlitzer organ, which was installed in 1928 and is one of only three pipe organs still in existence in Southern California.
The Orpheum theaters derive their name from the Greek mythological figure, Orpheus. Shortly after its opening, the venue became a favored stage for performances by prominent entertainers such as burlesque star Sally Rand, the Marx Brothers, Will Rogers, Judy Garland (performing with her family under the name Frances "Baby" Gumm), and comedian Jack Benny. It also hosted legendary jazz artists like Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington. Vaudeville acts continued to grace the Orpheum's stage as late as 1950.
During the 1960s, the theater transitioned into a venue for rock 'n' roll concerts, featuring iconic performers like Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, and Little Stevie Wonder. Today, the meticulously restored Orpheum Theatre serves as a venue for live concerts, movie premieres, and location shoots. It has hosted various events, including a performance by the love metal band HIM for their live CD/DVD album "Digital Versatile Doom" and the live broadcast of the 2010 Streamy Awards.
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Orpheum Theatre on Map
Sight Name: Orpheum Theatre
Sight Location: Los Angeles, USA (See walking tours in Los Angeles)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Los Angeles, USA (See walking tours in Los Angeles)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Los Angeles, California
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El Pueblo and Little Tokyo Walk
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The former is the oldest district in the city. Also known as the birthplace of Los Angeles, El Pueblo is centered around the Los Angeles Plaza. Throughout most of the 19th century, it was the city's administrative and commercial center: first under the Spanish (from 1781 to 1821),... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Los Angeles Downtown Walking Tour
The history of Los Angeles – "a bright and guilty place," as Orson Welles described it – began on September 4, 1781, when a group of 44 Spanish settlers established a hamlet on the territory of present-day Downtown LA which they called “The Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels” (El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles).
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
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