Aside from the mythological cloud-bound stylization and pastel colours, the little girls shown around the dome inside the Orpheum are real people. During a summer tour of the historic Vancouver theatre, a woman visiting from California pointed upwards and said, “That’s me.”
Built in 1927 at a cost of $1.25 million that included land fronting Granville Street in the pricey Entertainment District, the Orpheum was nearly levelled before the city purchased it in 1974 and ensured its status as a cherished civic landmark and heritage site that continues to stage live performances.
The city opens the doors to the Orpheum — its basement and balcony ghosts, backrooms and histories — and 17 additional civic buildings during the second annual Doors Open Vancouver from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Orpheum tours run from 1 to 5 p.m.
The city recorded more than 8,600 visits to 16 locations last year, with the Orpheum drawing 734 guests according to volunteer tour leader Christina Potter, also a board member with the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame that is housed in the Orpheum.
“Personally, the most special treat for me is standing on the stage and looking out on from the same spot that I know Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett all stood,” said Potter.
Doors Open grants visitors access to behind-the-scenes places of public buildings, and two new locations were added this year: Stanley Park Train Yard and the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre.
Visitors can also check out Vancouver City Hall (453 West 12th Ave.) and the False Creek Energy Centre (1890 Spyglass Place) seen from the south end of Cambie Bridge and where sewage is turned into heat.
Nearby, the voice of Vancouver services is open to the public at the 3-1-1 Call Centre and CityStudio (1800 Spyglass Place). City promotion reads: “Do you have a question? We have an answer!”
Downtown sites include the Vancouver Public Library Central Library (350 West Georgia St.) where tours depart every hour between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The Orpheum (601 Smithe St.) is open for tours from 1 to 5 p.m. and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (650 Hamilton St.) is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
At Woodward’s (149 West Hastings St.), the one-time premier department store now has a Lego pit and beautiful atrium.
Take in the high-force water spray at the Dedicated Fire Protection System Pump Station (1400 Homer St., beside David Lam Park). It can draw water directly from False Creek and is designed to withstand an earthquake.
Originally a cluster of out-buildings that serviced steam locomotives, the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre (181 Roundhouse Mews) houses Engine 374, the first passenger train to arrive in Vancouver in 1887. Tours run 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pre-registration is required to visit the Carnegie Community Centre (401 Main St.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The city’s first public library, built in 1903, is now known as the “living room” of the Downtown Eastside.
Additional sites include the National Works Yard (701 National Ave.) and the Vancouver Fire and Rescue Training Centre (1330 Chess St.).
The Vancouver Animal Services Shelter (1280 Raymur Ave.) and its 48 kennels are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be pets.
Pre-registration is also required to visit the Tactical Training Centre (2010 Glen Dr.) where city police train.
In Stanley Park, visitors can check out the park board administration office (2099 Beach Ave.) and visit police horses at the VPD Mounted Unit (on Pipeline Road across from the transit loop).
Finally, the Stanley Park Miniature Train (access from the Stanley Park bus loop) offers free rides and lessons about the history of the replica CPR No. 374 train, the original engine of which is found in the Roundhouse community centre.
For more details and to pre-register, visit doorsopenvan.ca.
@MHStewart
