Hope Horne
10 things you didn’t know about Overture Center: Part 1
September 27, 2024
As we celebrate 20 years of Overture, we’re excited to pull back the curtain and share some lesser-known tidbits about our history! From architectural marvels to fascinating features, here are 10 things you may not have known about Overture Center!
1. Green Building, Big Impact
When constructing Overture, the original office building at Fairchild and Mifflin Street wasn’t demolished—it was deconstructed and rebuilt using 76-77% of the original materials.
2. The Mighty Gorilla Doors
The two doors between the loading dock and stage are known as "gorilla doors." Standing 24 feet tall and weighing 10,000 pounds each, they keep unwanted sounds out of the theater.
3. The Heart of Madison’s Arts Scene
Overture Center is home to nine resident arts organizations, such as the Madison Symphony Orchestra and Madison Ballet, ensuring a diverse range of performances year-round.
4. Glass from Germany
The massive glass panels in Overture Hall’s lobby come from Germany—the only place where these low-iron panels are produced. The largest panel weighs 2,379 pounds, roughly the weight of a small car.
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Glass panel installation during Overture's construction in the early 2000s -
The original Yost-Kessenich storefront during Overture construction in the early 2000s
5. A Glimpse into History
The round window in Overture Hall is a nod to the past, replicating one from the Yost-Kessenich department store that once stood on this very corner, preserving a piece of Madison’s retail history.
6. A Block-Long Marvel
Overture spans an entire city block and covers 386,000 square feet—roughly the size of 214 average-sized homes.
7. Designed by a Visionary
Overture was designed by world-renowned architect César Pelli, whose work includes iconic buildings like the Petronas Twin Towers in Malaysia and the World Financial Center in New York City.
8. The Grand Barton Organ
Capitol Theater is home to the Grand Barton Organ, built in 1927. One of only a few still in its original setting, it’s considered an instrument of exceptional merit by the Organ Historical Society. This organ even has a "toy counter" that allows for sound effects like birds, drums and even a car horn to add flair to performances.
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The Grand Barton Organ being played at the Madison Civic Center, circa 1980s -
Construction workers re-installing the Grand Barton Organ during renovations at the Madison Civic Center -
The Grand Barton Organ played by Jelani Eddington during a Duck Soup Cinema show in spring 2024
9. A Historic Connection
Overture’s design preserves Madison’s history by incorporating the original façades of the Capitol Theater and Yost-Kessenich store, blending the old with the new.
10. A Window-Washing Feat
Overture’s lobby glass wall, made of 91 German low-iron glass panels, is washed twice a year by workers in bosun’s slings hanging from tracks in the ceiling.
Celebrate Overture’s 20 years with us, and next time you come to see a show, take a moment to explore the building with these fun facts in mind. Whether it’s admiring the shimmering staircases or spotting the nostalgic round window, you’ll discover there’s so much more to Overture than what meets the eye!