The Phoenix Convention Center & Venues is proud to celebrate Orpheum Theatre’s recent win at the 2025 Governor’s Conference on Tourism. The venue was named Best Arizona Historic Preservation!
“It is an honor to be awarded this title,” said Jerry Harper, director of the Phoenix Convention Center & Venues. “We have worked hard to preserve the history and the magic of the Orpheum Theatre and know our responsibility is to maintain the theatre’s charm, while adding innovative technology to keep it competitive.” 
Orpheum Theatre underwent a $5.2 million renovation which was completed in 2024, known as “Orpheum Reimagined.” The multi-year project was born out of a vision to preserve, protect and propel one of Arizona’s most beloved historic landmarks into a new era. A portion of the renovation budget was dedicated to restoration including the floors, seats and balcony.
“We wanted the investment to reflect and reinforce Orpheum’s role in Arizona’s tourism economy,” Harper said. “Hosting hundreds of diverse shows a year, the theatre brings visitors to downtown and boosts our local economy.”
The historic venue’s renovation also included a new, advanced LED lighting system, a state-of-the-art projector and one of Arizona’s largest screens, upgraded dressing rooms and new elevators.
“Balancing the history while looking to the future was key,” Harper said. “We preserved 144 of the original balcony seats and all the original cast iron decorative end standards. At the same time, you can sit in these historic seats and hear immersive sound like never before. We want the experience to wow the audience every time.”
The Phoenix Convention Center & Venues is honored the Governor’s Conference on Tourism recognized the work that went into Orpheum Reimagined.
To read more about recent changes at the Orpheum Theatre, visit orpheumphx.com.