The majestic Capitol Theatre stands before you. A timeless beauty in downtown Salt Lake City.
This isn’t just any theatre. It’s a living piece of history. Opened in 1913 as the Orpheum Theatre it later became the Capitol Theatre in 1927. Its Italian Renaissance Revival and Beaux Arts architecture is breathtaking.
Imagine Ballet West’s graceful dancers taking the stage. Hear the soaring voices of the Utah Opera. Picture the energy of Broadway Across America productions. This theatre has hosted them all. Mikhail Baryshnikov and Mark Morris’ White Oak Dance Project even performed here in 1993. It was a truly special event.
The Capitol Theatre wasn’t untouched by time’s hand. A fire in 1949 caused significant damage. An $8.6 million county bond funded a major renovation in 1975. That renovation ensured its place as one of Salt Lake City’s premier performing arts centers.
But the story doesn’t end there. A $32 million renovation began in 2013. This project included building the Jessie Eccles Quinney Ballet Centre. This expanded the theatre’s lobby and added rehearsal rooms. New costume facilities and administrative offices were also built for Ballet West.
Another renovation took place in 2019. It lasted six months. The main auditorium floor was replaced. New seating was installed to meet ADA requirements. The sound system received an upgrade. The roof was restored to its original terra cotta facade. This was the second phase of improvements. The first phase focused on upgrading the orchestra pit stage and backstage areas.
During the 2002 Winter Olympics the Capitol Theatre hosted performances as part of the Olympic Arts Festival. It truly became a center of cultural celebration.
Even the opening of the Eccles Theatre in 2016 didn’t diminish the Capitol Theatre’s importance. Some productions moved to the Eccles. The Eccles boasts a larger stage and more advanced sound system. But the Capitol Theatre remains a beloved venue for ballet opera and theatrical performances.
The Capitol Theatre isn’t just a building. It’s a legacy a testament to the enduring power of the arts. It’s a place where memories are made. And stories unfold on stage and in the hearts of those who experience it.