Completed in 1969 despite the untimely death of its architect John Hickman, Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center was built to commemorate the 1970 centennial of Wichita's incorporation. The centre replaced The Forum, which had operated as the city's primary auditorium, convention centre, and exposition hall from 1911 to 1965, and sits on the east bank of the Arkansas River in downtown Wichita at 225 West Douglas Avenue. The facility's iconic blue-domed design houses the 2,197-seat Concert Hall in continental seating, the 650-seat Mary Jane Teall Theatre, a Convention Hall seating 4,700, and nearly 200,000 square feet of contiguous exhibit space across multiple halls. The Bob Brown Expo Hall, named for a former Wichita city commissioner and mayor, was added in 1986 with an additional 93,000 square feet and an 8,000-square-foot lobby. The 303-room Hyatt Regency Wichita was constructed and connected to the south end in 1997. Century II is home to four resident arts organisations: the Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Wichita Grand Opera, Music Theatre Wichita, and Music Theatre for Young People. The centre hosts the Miss USA pageant (1990-1993 and subsequent returns), Broadway touring productions including Hamilton and The Lion King, consumer shows, conventions, and concerts. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020 and is operated by ASM Global. With 20 meeting rooms and performance spaces ranging from 650 to over 5,000, Century II remains the largest centre for entertainment and meetings in Wichita.

Type: Theater / Concert Hall

Address: 225 West Douglas Avenue, Wichita, KS, United States, 67202

Website: https://www.century2.com

Capacity: 2197

Opening Date: 11/01/1969