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Orpheum Theatre: A San Francisco Landmark

Experience Broadway magic in a historic San Francisco landmark. The Orpheum Theatre: where unforgettable performances come to life.

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The Orpheum Theatre, located in San Francisco's Civic Center, is a historic performing arts venue that originally opened as the Pantages Theatre in 1926. Designed by B. Marcus Priteca, its architecture showcases a French cathedral-inspired facade and a Spanish Gothic Revival interior. Today, it hosts touring Broadway shows and remains a significant cultural landmark.

A brief summary to Orpheum Theatre

Local tips

  • Arrive early to allow time for parking and security checks, especially for popular shows.
  • Consider taking public transportation, as parking can be limited and expensive.
  • Check the official BroadwaySF website for the most up-to-date show schedules and tickets.
  • Wheelchair seating is available on the orchestra level. Call the box office for assistance with accessible seating.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Orpheum Theatre is easily accessible via public transportation. From the Civic Center BART station, use the Market/Hyde staircase. The theater will be on your right. Several Muni bus lines (5, 6, 9, 19, 21, 71) also stop near the theater. A single Muni ride costs $2.75 and is good for 120 minutes of travel. A day pass is $5.70.

  • Walking

    From Union Square, walk southwest on Market Street for about 1 mile. The Orpheum Theatre will be on your right, at the corner of Market and 8th Street. The walk is relatively flat and should take approximately 20-25 minutes.

  • Ride Share

    Request a ride to 1192 Market Street, San Francisco. Be aware that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours and show times. A short ride from the nearby Moscone Center typically costs $15-$25, depending on demand.

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Discover more about Orpheum Theatre

The Orpheum Theatre stands as a testament to San Francisco's vibrant cultural history. Originally named the Pantages Theatre, it opened in 1926 as part of Alexander Pantages' vaudeville circuit. Designed by architect B. Marcus Priteca, the theater's architecture is a blend of Beaux-Arts, featuring a facade inspired by a 12th-century French cathedral and an interior showcasing Spanish Gothic Revival style. The Orpheum's design includes a vaulted ceiling, ornate plasterwork, gold accents and chic moldings. In its early years, the Orpheum hosted a variety of vaudeville acts, including comedians, musicians, dancers, and magicians. In 1929, it was renamed the Orpheum Theatre. In 1953, the theater was renovated to present Cinerama. After a period of decline, the theater was rescued and renovated in the late 1960s. A $20 million renovation was completed in 1998 to modernize the venue for large-scale Broadway productions. The first production after the renovation was Show Boat. The Orpheum has hosted numerous pre-Broadway and Broadway shows, including Wicked, which ran for two years. The Grateful Dead also performed here in July 1976. Today, the Orpheum Theatre continues to host touring Broadway productions and remains a designated San Francisco landmark.

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