OUR HISTORY

In 1980, Saint Paul resident Sally Ordway Irvine challenged her community to help her create a performing arts venue in which her dream of offering “everything from opera to the Russian circus” could be realized. She set an example by making the first donation to a fund that eventually built Ordway Center for the Performing Arts.

The $46 million center opened to the public on January 1, 1985, Sally had contributed $7.5 million—and her family had matched that amount. Certainly, Sally’s vision is alive today in Ordway Center’s dizzying schedule of theater, dance, music, family events, and educational programs. Ordway Center is also the proud sponsor of the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists which opened its doors in September 2005.

Ordway Center contains the 1,900 seat Main Hall, the intimate 306 seat McKnight Theatre; two large rehearsal halls, and magnificent lobbies on each floor, including the second floor Marzitelli Foyer, a spacious, two story lobby encircled by a glass facade.
 

OUR MISSION

Ordway Center is a catalyst for the artistic vitality of our community by hosting, presenting, and creating performing arts and educational programs that engage artists and enrich diverse audiences.
 

Many exciting opportunities await Ordway Center patrons, including:

• The Ordway Center Performance Season bringing an exciting array of musicals and other shows to Minnesota;
• The planet Ordway^® Target^® season – multidisciplinary performances by artists from around the world;
• Education at Ordway Center – providing educational opportunities for children and adults, and consisting of student matinee performances, in-school residencies, community workshops, and pre- and post-show discussions
• The Flint Hills International Children’s Festival – extraordinary international arts for our youngest audiences and their parents.
• The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra – celebrating the continued joy of presenting critically acclaimed concerts to audiences in the Twin Cities.
• The Schubert Club – promoting the art of music - particularly recital music, through education, performance, and museum programs - and maintaining a high standard of excellence.
• The Minnesota Opera – distinction through eminent musical leadership, artistic innovation, and widespread community support.

Facility Specifics:

• Our lobbies open one hour prior to the curtain rising, though it may open earlier if there is a pre-performance program.
• An usher will be happy to check your camera, recording equipment, cellular phone, or pager as these items are prohibited in the theater. Pagers are attended during performances and urgent messages are delivered immediately.
• If you are expecting an emergency message, please leave your seat location with the calling party and notify the Event Supervisor upon arrival at the Center. The phone number for emergencies is 651-282-3070
• Latecomers and those returning to the Main Hall will be seated in compliance with the directions of the guest artist or company management.
• Public restrooms are located down the stairs next to the Box Office, and on the second and third floor lobbies.
• Elevators are located on the back wall of both lobbies.
• Patrons may place orders for intermission drinks before the show. Bartenders will have drinks ready and in a convenient location at intermission.
• Everyone entering the theater must have a ticket. This includes young children.
• Ordway Center is a smoke-free environment.