Wichita's Orpheum Theatre will reopen Sunday after a $13 million restoration

KMUW | By Jenni Anima

Published August 28, 2026 at 11:31 AM CDT

Renovations to Wichita's beloved Orpheum Theatre are complete. The theater's original details now sing with new life before a repainted fire curtain that's ready to welcome audiences back to the United States' first atmospheric theater.

New features in the historic theater include all new accessible seating, an air-conditioned balcony and portable concessions.

After 15 months of restoration, Wichita's historic Orpheum Theatre will soon re-open its doors to the public.

During a private media preview, Orpheum officials highlighted the theater's restored original paint color, star lights and hand-painted fire curtain.

Rows of new plush theater seats are waiting for audiences to return to Wichita's Orpheum Theatre. The venue received a $13 million renovation over the last 15 months and reopens to the public this week.

New accommodations include accessible seating, an air-conditioned balcony and portable concessions.

Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter John Legend will perform at the Orpheum on Sunday to mark its official re-opening.

Stacee Olden, executive director of the Orpheum, said the community has waited more than 40 years for this unveiling.

"Absolutely monumental for the city to have a theater with this national recognition, as well as local recognition, come back to life," she said. "Welcoming the community in has been what this is all about."

The Orpheum opened in 1922 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was the first atmospheric theatre in the United States, with a design meant to make audiences feel like they're outdoors under the stars.