Information
Landmark: Capitol TheatreCity: Yakima
Country: USA Washington
Continent: North America
Capitol Theatre, Yakima, USA Washington, North America
Overview
The Capitol Theatre, at 19 South 3rd Street in downtown Yakima, stands as one of Central Washington’s most beloved cultural landmarks-a warm, golden-lit stage that reflects the region’s devotion to the performing arts, historic preservation, and community pride, also the theatre seats almost 1,500 people and still hums with life, hosting everything from concerts and plays to lectures and neighborhood gatherings.For more than a hundred years, its graceful Italian Renaissance design, deep-rooted history, and vibrant cultural presence have kept it at the heart of Yakima’s arts scene, where sunlit arches still draw crowds.🏛️ Origins and Historical Significance Originally opened on April 5, 1920, the Capitol Theatre was built as the Mercy Theatre by Frederick Mercy Sr, a prominent Yakima businessman, alternatively the Capitol Theatre first opened its doors on April 5, 1920, built as the Mercy Theatre by Frederick Mercy Sr, a well-known Yakima businessman whose name once lit up the marquee.B designed it, sketching the first outlines in blue ink, likewise marcus Priteca, the celebrated architect behind many Pantages Theatres in the western U, more or less To be honest, S, designed the building in the grand, lavish style of early 20th-century performance halls, its walls alive with hand-painted murals by Anthony Heinsbergen.🔥 Fire and Restoration In 1975, a devastating fire broke out during a renovation, destroying much of the theatre’s interior, including the original murals and seating, alternatively soon after it opened, the name changed to the Capitol Theatre, and it quickly rose to fame as the Pacific Northwest’s top spot for vaudeville acts, orchestras, silent movies, and lively community events where you could smell fresh popcorn in the lobby.🔥 Fire and Restoration In 1975, a fierce blaze erupted mid-renovation, gutting the theatre’s interior and wiping out its original murals and rows of worn red seats, sort of Though battered, the outer shell still stood, along with the proscenium arch and the stagehouse’s tall brick walls, moreover instead of tearing the locale down, the community pulled together, voices echoing in the historic brick hall.Backed by the Capitol Theatre Committee, the City of Yakima, and generous local donors, a public fundraiser pulled in over $700,000-along with grants and insurance money-to kick off the painstaking restoration, down to repairing the faded velvet seats.🎭 Architecture and Design Exterior: The Capitol Theatre’s façade showcases Italian Renaissance Revival style, featuring large arched windows, classical columns, and ornamental stone detailing that reflects early 20th-century grandeur, after that amazingly, Heinsbergen-well into his 80s-left retirement to repaint the modern ceiling mural, brushing on fresh color that still echoed his original vision.Believe it or not, On November 4, 1978, the fully restored Capitol Theatre threw open its doors to a sold-out crowd for Bob Hope, a night that lit up the stage and marked the community’s hard-won victory over heartbreak.🎭 Outside, the Capitol Theatre’s façade shines in Italian Renaissance Revival style, with tall arched windows, stately columns, and stonework so ornate it feels pulled straight from the grandeur of the early 1900s, as well as inside, murals burst with color, painstakingly recreated by Heinsbergen from vintage sketches and faded photographs.You know, The Main Hall boasts lavish plasterwork, glittering chandeliers, plush velvet seats, and a sweeping domed ceiling crowned with an ornate centerpiece.🎼 Programming and Events The Capitol Theatre hosts around 175 events annually, including: Performing Arts: Yakima Symphony Orchestra – Resident company with seasonal classical and pops concerts, in conjunction with the stage, one of the biggest in Eastern Washington, can handle everything from a full symphony to ballets, Broadway hits, and sweeping operas-its polished floor still glints under the spotlight.The venue seats about 1,500, with wide aisles you can stroll through easily, clear views from every spot, and full ADA-accessible features, besides backstage, you’ll find five dressing rooms, a cozy green room, the orchestra pit, production offices, laundry machines humming in the corner, and a loading dock built for easy freight access.🎼 Programming and Events
The Capitol Theatre puts on roughly 175 shows a year, from the rich strings of the Yakima Symphony Orchestra’s seasonal classical and pops concerts to a wide range of performing arts, relatively Broadway Series - touring shows that bring hit musicals and gripping dramas to the stage, from sparkling costumes to the echo of a final curtain drop, consequently capitol Kids Series offers family-friendly shows that spark kids’ interest in the arts, whether they’re clapping along to lively music or watching a colorful dance unfold.🏢 4th Street Theatre (Annex Venue) Adjacent to the main theatre is the 4th Street Theatre, opened in 2011, serving as a smaller, flexible performance and rental space: Capacity : ~400 seats Uses : Workshops, rehearsals, poetry readings, cabaret shows, wedding receptions, tiny recitals, and film events.Ballet, opera, and choral groups-some polished and professional, others rooted in local community halls, and lectures and public events include the Town Hall Speaker Series, local school graduations with cheering crowds, award ceremonies, dance recitals, film screenings, and lively cultural festivals, while community engagement offers affordable ticket programs for students.🧑🤝🧑 Visitor Information Location : 19 S. Public schools teaming up to bring arts education to life, from paint-splattered studios to lively music rooms, likewise a corps of volunteer ushers and events made possible by generous donors, like the annual candlelit concert.🌟 Community & Cultural Role The Capitol Theatre is far more than an event venue-it is a living cultural institution, perhaps Right next to the main stage sits the 4th Street Theatre Annex, opened in 2011, a smaller, adaptable space with about 400 seats, hosting everything from workshops and rehearsals to poetry nights, cabaret shows, wedding receptions, intimate recitals, and film screenings, also the venue offers modern lighting and sound, a modular stage, private backstage rooms, and a kitchen ready for catering-think gleaming counters and polished steel, fairly The venue gives local artists and minute troupes a chance to perform without breaking the bank, all while keeping a thread to the Capitol’s ancient-world elegance, like the warm glow of its brass fixtures, in conjunction with visitor info’s available at 19 S, right by the radiant blue door.The box office at 3rd Street, Yakima, WA 98901 is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m, consequently to 4 p.m, with longer hours when there’s a show.You’ll find street parking, public lots close by, and ADA drop-off zones right next to the entrance.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-05
