Orpheum Champaign

Champaign, Illinois

Built in 1914, and modeled on the Opera House at Versailles, the Orpheum Theater was originally home to live vaudeville performances and "moving picture shows", or as they are now abbreviated to - movies. The Orpheum was one of the first of many theaters designed by renowned architecture firm of Rapp and Rapp.

A part of the Orpheum Circuit, the theater hosted many famous acts such as the comedy stylings of the Marx Brothers in 1919 and world-renowned escape artist Harry Houdini in 1923. As movies became more popular, the Orpheum became a popular entertainment destination for the community.

With the final film shown in 1986, the Orpheum was up for demolition until in 1991 it was saved and repurposed as a children’s science museum. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Champaign City Landmark.

The Orpheum Champaign is the perfect place to be surrounded by over a century of history for your event or performance.