The Orpheum stage framed by gilded arches and a crystal chandelier

Vancouver's Iconic Concert Hall

Orpheum

Find yourself enveloped in historic elegance for inspired performances.

Information

Hosting millions since 1927

At nearly 100 years old, the Orpheum is an incredible setting for shows of all kinds and has hosted millions of people since its opening in 1927.

This opulent venue is a great way to see your favourite artist or experience the magic of the symphony.

The interior features antique décor, sweeping staircases, and a domed auditorium complete with ceiling mural and giant crystal chandelier.

The Orpheum dome with its ceiling mural and giant crystal chandelier

At a glance

The Orpheum

2672

Number of seats

1927

Opened

2

Audience entrances

Seating plans

Find your seat before you arrive

Inspiration

Home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

The Orpheum auditorium from the balcony
A gilded fleur-de-lis medallion in the Orpheum
Carved wooden detail beside the Orpheum stage

Primary performers

Who you’ll hear in this hall

Best known as the home of internationally renowned Vancouver Symphony Orchestra – the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada – the Orpheum also features regular performances by some of the city’s finest choirs, as well as performing artists visiting from around the world.

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra

The largest performing arts organization in Western Canada.

Vancouver Bach Choir

One of the city’s finest choirs.

Vancouver Chamber Choir

One of the city’s finest choirs.

Visiting patrons

Plan your visit to the Orpheum

Getting there

Location

The Orpheum has two audience entrances located at 601 Smithe Street and 884 Granville Street. Box Office and Will Call are at Smithe Street only.

Public transit

The Orpheum is easily accessed by public transportation, including the SkyTrain. If you're taking the Expo Line, hop off the train at Granville station and head south on Granville towards Smithe Street. If you're taking the Canada Line, exit at Vancouver City Centre station and walk south on Granville Street towards Smithe.

The Orpheum can also be accessed by many trolley bus lines. Check the Translink website for schedules and routes.

Bike Share

There are several City of Vancouver Mobi bike-share stations located at and near our venues. Please visit www.mobibikes.ca for more details.

Parking

Parking near the theatre is limited. Give yourself extra time before your event to find parking. There is no parkade attached to the Orpheum, but there is parking in the neighbourhood, at meters, and public parking lots.

Accessibility

Seating

Wheelchair seating is available on the orchestra and dress circle levels.

Washrooms

Wheelchair accessible washrooms are on the orchestra level and the third floor.

Elevators

Elevator access is available through the Smithe Street entrance.

Hearing assistance

The Orpheum is equipped with a RF Advanced System. Currently the LR-4200 receiver can be connected to a Universal Ear Speaker or headphones (with 1/8” / 3.5mm Aux connector) or to a neck loop lanyard for use with T-Coil hearing aids. Please go to the coat check upon arrival to request a hearing assist unit. These units are free to borrow – with the deposit of ID or a major credit card. Patrons wanting to use either a VCT headset or neck-loop and receiver should request these in advance by emailing VCTAudienceServices@vancouver.ca.

Certified guide and service dogs

Only certified guide and service dogs are allowed into VCT venues. Emotional Support Animals (not certified) are currently not allowed in VCT venues.

Show information & theatre etiquette

Box office hours

The box office typically opens two hours before performances for patrons to pick-up or purchase tickets to that evening's event only. VCT acts primarily as rental facilities and do not operate a box office. The box office is operated by the ticket seller for the promoter of the event and is not open between performances.

Doors open

The lobby is open one hour before performances. Come early and enjoy the striking architecture of the Orpheum. We offer a selection of tempting snacks, local craft beers, and hand-picked BC wines. Beat the line-up by pre-ordering your intermission drinks! We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and debit cards.

Coat check

The Orpheum has a spacious coat check. Each patron is charged $4.

Latecomers

If you are late to a performance, please be aware that you might not be able to enter the auditorium until intermission. To honour the performance's integrity, the show's producer will determine 24 hours in advance when latecomers may be seated. Video monitors are available in the theatre lobby to follow the action on stage.

Children and babies ticket policy

Vancouver Civic Theatres requires that all audience members, including children, must have a ticket. There are no exemptions to this policy regardless of the child’s age. All children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by another patron 16 years of age or older.

Scent free policy

Please do not wear scented lotions or perfumes to the theatres. We all share the air!

Cameras, recording devices and banned items

Taking photographs and recording performances in theatres is not allowed unless authorized by the promoter or producer. Certain items may be confiscated at the door by security if deemed dangerous. Large bags will be checked at the coat check. All wheeled items other than wheelchairs must remain in the lobby or in the coat check during the performance.

Contact information

Lost and found

To inquire about lost and found items, phone 604-665-3035.

Audience Services

Contact Audience Services for accessibility-related inquiries. If your inquiry is ticketing related, including wheelchair-accessible seating and companion seating, please contact your ticketing provider.

VCTAudienceServices@Vancouver.ca

What’s on

See what’s playing at the Orpheum

Immerse yourself in a piece of Vancouver’s history — Orpheum Tours take you back to a bygone era.