Orpheum Theatre

The Orpheum Theatre is a performance venue in downtown Madison featuring a grand limestone facade with a vertical marquee running along State Street. The space accommodates over 1,600 visitors and contains the technical equipment needed to host diverse entertainment events.

The theater opened in 1927 and was built as a movie house with funding partly provided by a local dentist named William Beecroft. Its architecture reflects the design trends of that era and established it as an important cultural venue for the city.

The theater evolved from a traditional movie palace into a modern performance space where Madison residents enjoy concerts, comedy shows, and theatrical productions today. Visitors can sense this transformation in how the venue accommodates different types of artists and audiences.

The theater sits in the heart of downtown and offers nearby parking options for visitors. Arriving early on performance nights helps ensure convenient parking and allows time to find your seat.

The building pioneered refrigeration technology in Wisconsin and was among the first to install air conditioning, requiring an entire basement room for the system. This technical achievement set it apart as an exceptionally comfortable space for moviegoers of that era.

Location: Madison

Inception: March 21, 1927

Architects: Rapp and Rapp

Official opening: March 21, 1927

Architectural style: Beaux-Arts

Capacity: 1697

Address: 216 State Street, Madison, WI 53703

Website: http://madisonorpheum.com

GPS coordinates: 43.07500,-89.38861

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:05