Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center facts for kids

Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center
Address	225 W. Douglas Avenue Wichita, Kansas 67202 USA
Coordinates	37°41′06″N 97°20′25″W / 37.684876°N 97.340283°W / 37.684876; -97.340283
Owner	City of Wichita
Operator	City of Wichita
Opened	1969 (1969)
Theatre seating	Concert Hall: 2,195 Mary Jane Teall Theater: 652
Enclosed space

The Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center is a big building in Wichita, Kansas, USA. It's a place where people can enjoy shows, concerts, and big meetings. You can find it in downtown Wichita, right by the Arkansas River.

This building is very important to Wichita. It's the biggest spot for fun events, trade shows, and gatherings. Many arts groups call it home. These include the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Music Theatre Wichita.

Century II has lots of space. It has almost 200,000 sq ft (19,000 m²) for exhibits. There are also 20 meeting rooms. The Concert Hall can seat 2,197 people. The Mary Jane Teall Theatre holds 650 people. The main Convention Hall can fit 4,700 people.

From 1990 to 1993, the center hosted the Miss USA pageants. It also hosted the Miss Teen USA 1995 pageant. In 2020, Century II was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important historical site.

History of Century II

How Century II Was Built

The Century II building was designed by John M. Hickman. It first opened on January 11, 1969. This opening celebrated Wichita's 100th birthday. The city was officially formed in 1870.

Century II was built where an older building used to be. This old building was called The Forum. It was a convention center that opened in 1911. By the 1960s, The Forum was getting old. It wasn't big enough for the shows and events of that time. So, Century II was built to replace it.

The Wurlitzer Organ

Century II is home to a special musical instrument. It has a huge 1926 Wurlitzer organ. This organ used to be in the Paramount Theatre in New York City. Before that theater was torn down, the organ was saved.

In the 1970s, the organ was moved to Century II. It's still used today for concerts and other events. It makes amazing music!

Building Design and Style

The Century II building has a very unique look. It's a low, round building with a slightly curved roof. Its style is similar to buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. John Hickman, the architect, actually learned from Wright in the 1940s.

John Hickman's daughter, Susan Hickman, shared a secret about the building's design. She said her father was inspired by Kansas's nature. The sand-colored pillars represent the huge wheat fields. The pale blue dome stands for the endless sky.

Inside, the main lobby goes all the way around the building. The convention hall, exhibit hall, and concert hall are shaped like wedges. They fit together inside this round shape. The stages for these three areas all meet in the very center of the building.

Building Updates and Changes

Over the years, Century II has grown. In 1986, a new exhibit hall was added. It's named after Bob Brown, a former Wichita City Commissioner and Mayor. This hall added 93,000 sq ft (8,600 m²) of exhibit space. It also has an 8,000 sq ft (740 m²) lobby.

In 1997, a large hotel was built next to the center. This was the 303-room Hyatt Regency Wichita hotel. It is connected to Century II, making it easy for visitors to stay nearby.

The concert hall got a big makeover in 2010. Workers painted the hall and put in new seats. They also added new carpets and curtains. The electrical systems were updated too. The crews had to work very fast. They had less than two months to finish between scheduled shows. After the work was done, the center showed off its new look.

Images for kids

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  A view of the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita. Century II is on the right side of the picture.

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  The Bob Brown Expo Hall at Century II.

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  Century II as seen from a tall building in 1999.