Memphis Orpheum Theater
203 S. Main St., Memphis, TN, 38103
The opulent Orpheum Theater has rocked Memphis since 1928. Opened in 1890 as the Grand Opera House, it once hosted vaudeville performances. The historic theater became the Orpheum in 1928 and received a facelift in the 1980s, expanding its stage and backstage areas that continue to showcase concerts, shows, and special events year-round.
The basics
Your primary reason for visiting Orpheum Theater will likely be one of its many weekly family-friendly concerts, comedy shows, theater productions, or movies. Once inside, you’ll be dazzled by its ornate crystal chandeliers, draperies, moldings, and classic pipe organ. Even if you don’t have a ticket to a show, you can still join a paid tour of the theater to learn more about its history and renovation. Many visitors skip a formal tour and learn about the site during one of the many Memphis walking tours.
Things to know before you go
Workshops and camps are available to the public throughout the year at the Orpheum and surrounding arts centers.
The theater restricts the use of cameras or phones for recordings during performing.
Tours of the theater only occur two times on Monday mornings.
How to get there
Standing on the corner of Main Street and Beale Street, the Orpheum Theatre is right in the heart of historic Memphis. Located at 203 S. Main Street, plenty of parking lots, garages, and street parking (many free after 5pm) make it easy to arrive via private car by taking the Riverside Drive exit off I-40 to Beale Street. Public transportation, as well as taxis and rideshares, serve the area.
When to get there
If you’re visiting the Orpheum for a live event, try to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show's scheduled start. This area is especially busy at night so you may need extra time to find parking. For certain shows, like theater productions, late arrivals may be asked to wait until a break in the performance to be seated. If visiting for a daytime tour, arrive at least 10 minutes prior.
See more of Memphis’ history on neighboring Beale Street
Just around the corner from the Orpheum Theater sits one of the last remaining original businesses on Beale Street. A. Schwab is a general store that opened in 1876, nearly 15 years before the Grand Opera House. This family-owned establishment has an assortment of souvenirs, a dedicated Beale Street Museum, and an old-school soda fountain.
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