The Orpheum Theater

I will sum this post to two words: a priceless treasure.

I didn't know this building existed - it has become one of my new favorites in Saint Louis!

The Orpheum Theater is a beautiful Beaux Arts style theater built in 1917 for the Orpheum franchise.  It's original purpose was to host vaudeville acts, but those acts soon gave way to the silver screen in the mid 1930s.

The theater was re-christened as the American in the 1960s and hosted many musical acts through the 1990s; however, the number of acts has declined drastically since then.

A family by the name of Roberts purchased the Orpheum in 2003 and branded the theater with its current name: the Roberts Orpheum Theater.

My favorite part of this building is the elaborate, florid, and dramatic sculptures that adorn the facade of the Orpheum, designed by Leo Lentelli.

Saint Louis needs revitalization - could it be through the arts?  I hope that our civic leaders and citizens can find the multitude of treasures that already exist in this city and not only bring them back to their former glory but also turn this stagnant town into a leader once again.