The Orpheum opened in 1929 as a vaudeville and movie palace and is the only surviving theatre of its era in Phoenix. The exterior is Spanish Colonial Revival, but the interior is full-blown atmospheric: a Mediterranean courtyard with painted balconies, a starlit ceiling that sees the dawn break before each show, and a working pipe organ. After decades of decline it was rescued, restored to its 1929 colour scheme, and reopened in 1997.
The 1,364-seat hall is now run by the City of Phoenix as a performing-arts venue. Touring Broadway shows, ballet, and concerts make up most of the bookings. Even if you can't catch a show, the city runs occasional guided daytime tours — call ahead. The lobby alone is worth a look if you happen to walk past.