About
Imagine stepping into a location where the spirit of vaudeville and silent pictures mix with Broadway and the blues. Add in the ornate decadence from years gone by, and you’ve set the stage for the Orpheum Theatre in the heart of Memphis.
Situated on the corner of Main and the iconic Beale Street, this is one of the country’s crown jewels among historic theaters. Today, the 2800-seat theater is the only home for first-run Broadway tours from Nashville to Birmingham, and stands as a tribute to the enduring spirit of Memphis.
This opulent performance space has been a cultural landmark for nearly a century, hosting world-class productions and now furthering arts education across the community. Additionally, the theater was one of the first buildings in Memphis to be included on the National Register of Historic Places. The Orpheum Theatre is where performances of international renown blend seamlessly with local talent of the Mid- South.
Visitors can easily explore nearby attractions such as the Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum before catching a show. For dining, it’s easy to relish in the history of the area with a fine-dining experience at Flight Restaurant to enhance a night of theater.
Orpheum Theatre: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The theater’s storyline reads just as poignantly as the Broadway plays that have graced its stage since 1977. The site where the theater has stood since 1928 was once the Grand Opera House. In 1890, this was considered the classiest theater outside of New York City. In 1908, the theater became part of the Vaudeville Orpheum Circuit, though it succumbed to a devastating fire in 1923. The lavish theater that followed, designed by architects C.W. and George L. Rapp, became the largest theater on the vaudeville circuit.
One of the standout features at the theater is its Wurlitzer organ. Played for the first time at the grand opening of the new Orpheum in November, 2028, this is one of only 12 classic theater organs in the country still in its original building.
Another remarkable feature of the Orpheum is the palpable community pride for this beloved venue. The non-profit Orpheum Theatre Group, formerly the Memphis Development Foundation, continues to promote the arts across Memphis and the Mid-South while preserving this historic landmark. In 2015, the neighboring Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education opened its doors to further enhance the broader community through art. Tours are available at both venues.
Through several renovations, innovations, and re-creations over the decades, the Orpheum Theatre continues to be one of the city’s top venues. From vaudeville stage to movie theater, and spirited campaigns to restore the theater to all its glory, this stands to prove the show must go on. Adding a show at the Orpheum Theatre to your itinerary is sure to elevate any Memphis getaway.
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Memphis, TN to the Orpheum Theatre:
- Start heading southwest on Union Ave toward South Main St.
- Turn left onto South Main St and continue for approximately half a mile.
- Turn right onto Beale St.
- Take a left onto South Front St, and the Orpheum Theatre will be on your immediate left.
Address: 203 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
Local Tips
- Parking fills up quickly; arrive early to secure a spot near the venue.
- Plan dinner on Beale Street to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere before or after your visit.
- The Orpheum offers discounted tickets for select matinee shows, which are perfect for daytime visits.
- Check the events calendar online to plan your itinerary.
- Comfortable shoes make exploring Beale Street more enjoyable.
