Marion Cultural and Civic Center

The city’s long-standing devotion to arts and cultural placemaking started with the purchase of The Orpheum Theatre on February 19, 1974 after being privately owned for 51 years by the Reid, Yemm and Hayes Orpheum Play House circuit. The three businessmen from DuQuoin, operated ten theatres in Southern Illinois.  The theatre was originally built with 1500 seats at a cost of $100,000.

Now, 46 years later, The Marion Cultural and Civic Center is an award-winning 33,000 square feet, 1100-seat performing arts venue dedicated to the development of the cultural and artistic landscape of Southern Illinois.

The mission of the Civic Center is to provide affordable rental costs for local organizations, geographic advantage for touring music and theater and exhibit space for local artists to facilitate the cultural growth and development of our area.

The Marion Cultural and Civic Center Foundation was established in 1982 and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that serves as the main component of fundraising for the Marion Cultural and Civic Center.  Please click the button below to learn more about our facility on our website.