Guided Tours  •  Self-Guided Downtown Tour
 

In 1926, this grand theater became the fourth and final home of the famed Orpheum vaudeville circuit in Los Angeles. As at his earlier Broadway Orpheum (now the Palace), architect G. Albert Lansburgh again employed a French theme inside the theater, this time executed in the full-blown grand manner. Polished brass doors, lush brocade drapery, silk wall panels, marble pilasters, and enormous chandeliers all contributed to an atmosphere reminiscent of the Paris Opera.

Throughout the years, the Orpheum has hosted some of the greatest entertainers in show business including Eddie Cantor, Sophie Tucker, Will Rogers, Jack Benny, Sally Rand, and Lena Horne.

The last of the great theater organs remaining on Broadway was installed at the Orpheum in 1928. This 13-rank, three-manual Wurlitzer organ has metal and wood pipes than can simulate more than 1,400 orchestral sounds. Now restored to working order, it is lovingly cared for by the Los Angeles Theater Organ Society.

In 2001 the Orpheum underwent a multi-million dollar rehabilitation under the supervision of owner Steve Needleman. The venue currently is a rental facility for special events and location filming.