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	ASM Global
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 fantastic place in Wichita, Kansas, USA. It's a hub for amazing shows and big meetings. You can find it right in downtown Wichita, next to the Arkansas River. This special building was even added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020!

Century II is managed by ASM Global. It's the biggest spot in Wichita for entertainment, fun shows, and important gatherings. Many local arts groups call it home. These include the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Music Theatre Wichita.

This huge building has almost 200,000 square feet of space for exhibits. It also has 20 meeting rooms. The Concert Hall can seat 2,197 people. The Mary Jane Teall Theater holds 650 people. Plus, the Convention Hall can seat up to 4,700 people!

Century II has hosted some exciting events. It was the location for the Miss USA pageants from 1990 to 1993. It also hosted the Miss Teen USA 1995 pageant. In 1989, a big bowling tournament, the ABC Masters, took place here too.

A Look Back: How Century II Began

This amazing building was designed by John M. Hickman. It first opened its doors on January 11, 1969. This opening celebrated Wichita's 100th birthday as a city!

Century II was built where an older convention center once stood. That old building was called The Forum and opened in 1911. By the 1960s, The Forum was quite old. It didn't have the modern features needed for big shows anymore.

The Amazing Wurlitzer Organ

Inside Century II, there's a very special musical instrument. It's a 1926 Wurlitzer organ! This organ used to be in the Paramount Theatre (New York City) in New York City.

Before that theater was torn down, the organ was saved. It was moved to Century II in the 1970s. Today, this historic organ is still used for concerts and other events. It's a real treat to hear!

A Unique Building Design

The Century II building looks very unique. It's a low, round building with a gently curved roof. Its style reminds people of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright's work.

In fact, John Hickman, the designer, learned from Wright in the 1940s. His daughter, Susan Hickman, shared a cool detail. She said her father was inspired by Kansas's wide wheat fields. These are shown by the sand-colored pillars. The huge, open sky is represented by the pale blue dome.

The main lobby wraps around the building. Inside this ring, the convention hall, exhibit hall, and concert hall are shaped like wedges. The stages for these three areas all meet in the very center of the building.

Growing Bigger: New Additions

In 1986, a new exhibit hall was added to Century II. It was named after Bob Brown, a former Wichita City Commissioner and Mayor. This hall added another 93,000 square feet of exhibit space. It also has an 8,000-square-foot lobby.

Later, in 1997, a large hotel was built. The 303-room Hyatt Regency Wichita hotel was connected right to the center. This made it even easier for visitors to stay and attend events.

Keeping Things Fresh: Renovations

The concert hall got some updates starting in August 2010. Workers painted, put in new seats, and added new carpets and curtains. They also improved the electrical systems.

Crews had to work very fast, finishing in less than two months between scheduled events. In October, the updated areas were shown off. A new logo was also introduced, but it was later changed.

Images for kids

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  View of the east bank of the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita. Century II is in the upper right. (photo taken from the Hyatt Regency Wichita)

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  The Bob Brown Expo Hall at Century II

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  Century II as seen from the roof of 250 Douglas Place, then known as the Garvey Center, in 1999.