The Marshalltown RKO Orpheum Theatre was the first post-WWII theatre constructed by industry giant RKO Theatres.  Modern for its time, the theatre featured Carrier Climate Control air conditioning and steam heat, Kroehler push-back seating and spacious modern restrooms.  With its asymmetrical glazed terracotta facade and entrance approaches finished in marble terrazzo, the theatre is an important example of the dramatic shift in commercial design after WWII.  The wrap-around marquee is echoed in the curved walls of the interior lobby space and the rounded glass of the exterior ticket window.  The vertical sign remains mostly intact (missing only the 'RKO') with its pink neon which lit up the Marshalltown night sky. 

The Orpheum Theatre opened June 23, 1949 with Ruth Warrick and Gabby Hayes as featured guests and with 915 original seats.  It was the site for the United States premier of the epic 1957 film, "St. Joan" starring Marshalltown's own Jean Seberg.

     The theater was closed by its previous operator, Fridley's, in favor of their nearby multiplex. Concerned local residents formed a non-profit to save the Orpheum in 2001.

The Orpheum Theater

Before Renovation/Revitalization