THE ORPHEUM THEATER

250 East Main Street, Galesburg, Illinois
309.342.2299
Visit www.theorpheum.com

The Orpheum Theatre first opened its doors in 1916 as a vaudeville theatre. In its early days, the theatre offered silent movies to its many patrons as well as being a host to young vaudevillians the likes of George Burns and Milton Berle.

The Theatre was designed by the architectural firm of C.W. and George Rapp - premiere theatre builders at the turn of the century - who believed “showplaces should have all the trappings of the rich, but be accessible to all.” Originally, construction costs were budgeted at $75,000, however by the time of completion, The Orpheum Theatre would cost a then-astronomical $135,000. But what a masterpiece they achieved; the Orpheum’s proscenium arch and ionic columns maintain its classic look while over 3000 yards of ornamental plaster provide art nouveau flourishes. Currently listed n the National Historic Register as part of the Seminary Street Historic Downtown District, the Orpheum Theatre is truly a treasure of the midwest.

As a member of the League of Historic American Theatres, today’s Orpheum Theatre maintains its legacy by playing host to a variety of illustrious musicians and entertainers while providing a “home” for The Knox-Galesburg Symphony and other local performing groups such as Choral Dynamics and the Performing Arts Academy.  From the early day’s performances by Al Jolson to more recent shows by Henry Mancini, Mickey Rooney and Eddie Money, the list of world-class talent who have graced the Orpheum’s stage continues to grow.