Orpheum Theater

The Orpheum Theater at 129 Roosevelt Way was designed by noted architect G. Albert Lansburgh, built in 1918, and opened for vaudeville in 1921 in the Beaux Arts style. After decades as a movie palace and concert hall, it was scheduled for demolition in 1983 but was saved by the New Orleans Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. Hurricane Katrina's floodwaters severely damaged the theater in 2005, and it sat dark for a decade until a $13 million restoration brought it back to life in 2015. The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra now serves as the anchor tenant, but the 1,500-to-1,800-seat hall also hosts touring rock, pop, and comedy acts. The restored interior preserves ornate Beaux Arts detailing that makes the Orpheum one of downtown New Orleans' most visually striking performance spaces.