Capitol Theatre | Yakima

Capitol Theatre – Yakima, Washington

The Capitol Theatre, located at 19 South 3rd Street in downtown Yakima, is one of Central Washington’s most iconic cultural landmarks and a proud testament to the region’s commitment to performing arts, historic preservation, and civic pride. With seating for nearly 1,500 patrons, the theatre continues to function as a fully operational venue for concerts, theatrical performances, lectures, and community events. Its elegant Italian Renaissance architecture, rich history, and cultural relevance have made it the centerpiece of Yakima’s arts scene for over a century.

🏛️ 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. It was designed by B. Marcus Priteca, a renowned architect famous for many of the Pantages Theatres across the western U.S. The structure reflected the grand, opulent style of early 20th-century performance halls, complete with hand-painted murals by celebrated artist Anthony Heinsbergen.

Shortly after its opening, it was renamed the Capitol Theatre, quickly becoming the most prominent venue in the Pacific Northwest for vaudeville shows, orchestral performances, silent films, and community gatherings.

🔥 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. Despite the damage, the outer shell, proscenium arch, and stagehouse survived. Rather than demolish the building, the community rallied together.

A public fundraising campaign, supported by the Capitol Theatre Committee, the City of Yakima, and local donors, raised over $700,000 (combined with grants and insurance funds) to begin a meticulous restoration. Remarkably, Heinsbergen, then in his 80s, came out of retirement to repaint the new ceiling mural, ensuring continuity with the original vision.

The fully restored Capitol Theatre reopened on November 4, 1978, with a sold-out performance by Bob Hope, symbolizing the triumph of local commitment over tragedy.

🎭 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.

Interior Highlights:

Murals: Recreated by Heinsbergen using original sketches and photographs.

Main Hall: Lavish plasterwork, decorative chandeliers, velvet seating, and a grand, domed ceiling centerpiece.

Stage: One of the largest in Eastern Washington, equipped to host full symphonic performances, ballets, Broadway shows, and operas.

Seating: Approximately 1,500 seats with wide aisles, excellent sight lines, and ADA-accessible accommodations.

Backstage: Five dressing rooms, green room, orchestra pit, production offices, laundry facilities, and a dedicated loading dock with freight access.

🎼 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.

Broadway Series – Touring productions of musicals and dramas.

Capitol Kids Series – Family-oriented performances encouraging youth engagement in the arts.

Ballet, opera, and choral groups – Both professional and community-based.

Lectures & Public Events:

Town Hall Speaker Series

Local school graduations, awards ceremonies, and dance recitals

Film screenings and cultural festivals

Community Engagement:

Affordable student ticket programs.

Public school collaborations in arts education.

Volunteer usher corps and donor-supported events.

🏢 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, small recitals, and film events.

Features: Modern lighting/sound, modular stage, private backstage spaces, catering-ready kitchen area.

This venue allows local artists and small troupes to perform affordably while still maintaining a connection to the Capitol’s historic prestige.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Visitor Information

Location: 19 S. 3rd Street, Yakima, WA 98901

Box Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Extended hours on performance days)

Parking: Street parking and nearby public lots available; ADA drop-off zones adjacent to entrance.

Accessibility:

Wheelchair seating

Assisted-listening devices

Accessible restrooms and elevator access

Guided Tours: Offered periodically, known as “Shorty’s Tours,” providing insights into the theatre’s architecture, history, and operations.

🌟 Community & Cultural Role

The Capitol Theatre is far more than an event venue-it is a living cultural institution. It represents:

Yakima’s artistic identity, hosting the region’s most celebrated and emerging talents.

Historical preservation, showcasing one of the Northwest's most faithfully restored performance halls.

Community pride, as a product of civic unity and grassroots restoration efforts.

Its long-standing presence in downtown Yakima also contributes significantly to the economic vitality of the area, drawing audiences from around Central Washington, boosting tourism, and supporting downtown restaurants and businesses.

In essence, the Capitol Theatre stands as a beacon of elegance, endurance, and artistic expression-uniting generations through the shared experience of live performance in a historically rich setting.