Orpheum Landmark Nomination

Orpheum Theater - 216 State Street.

The Orpheum Theatre which has shown movies in Madison for more than 80 years, is now a member of the National Register of Historic Places, the Wisconsin Historical Society announced Monday.

The theater dates back to 1927 during the movie palace era. It was built to show first-run movies and serve as a venue for orchestra and stage performances. The Orpheum is defined by its French Renaissance interior, art deco style and a towering "Orpheum" sign whose red lights can be seen down State Street.

Besides being a symbol of local preservation, the historical designation provides benefits to the building owners, such as eligibility for grants and for rehabilitation income tax credits. The Orpheum will not be required to actively preserve the building and its owners are not restricted from renovating the theater.

The register makes the Orpheum a member of a national list of historical properties maintained by the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior and maintained in Wisconsin by the State Historical Society.

The Orpheum still shows first-run movies today, along with many independent films and hosts national music and comedy acts.