Wichita has a thing for that giant blue mushroom on the river. Honestly, if you’ve ever driven down Kellogg at sunset, you’ve seen it—the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center. It’s the kind of building that makes people get surprisingly emotional. Some see a mid-century masterpiece. Others see a concrete relic that’s basically a headache to maintain.
But here’s the thing. It’s not just a building; it’s the skyline.
Back in 1969, when the doors first swung open, this place was the future. It was built to celebrate Wichita’s 100th birthday, replacing an old arena called The Forum. The architect, John Hickman, was actually an apprentice of the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright. You can totally see that influence in the circular, low-slung profile. Hickman wanted the sand-colored pillars to look like Kansas wheat fields and the pale blue dome to mimic our massive, open sky. It’s a nice sentiment, even if the "sky blue" looks more like "Tiffany box blue" depending on the light.
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The Bones of the Place
Inside, the layout is kinda wild. It’s a giant circle split into wedges. You’ve got the Concert Hall, the Mary Jane Teall Theater, and the Convention Hall. If you’ve ever sat in the Concert Hall for a Broadway tour or a Wichita Symphony performance, you know the "continental seating" is a bit of a trip—no center aisle, just long rows that feel like they go on forever.
People always talk about the acoustics. They’re good. Like, really good. But the technical side? That’s where things get tricky.
Modern Broadway shows are huge. We’re talking dozens of semi-trucks worth of gear. Century II’s loading docks and basement ramps weren't exactly built for 2026-sized rigs. Stagehands have to get creative. Sometimes that means Wichita misses out on the massive "mega-musicals" because the sets literally won't fit through the door. It's a bummer, but the local arts groups like Music Theatre Wichita and the Wichita Grand Opera have spent decades making magic happen in those spaces regardless.
That Million-Dollar Debate
For the last few years, the city has been locked in a "to be or not to be" drama that rivals anything on the Teall Theater stage. In 2019, a massive plan called the Riverfront Legacy Master Plan basically suggested tearing the whole thing down to build a shiny new convention center.
The backlash was instant.
A group called Save Century II popped up, gathered over 17,000 signatures, and fought to get it on the National Register of Historic Places. They won that battle in 2020. So, for now, the wrecking ball is parked. Instead, the city has been putting money into keeping the lights on—literally. In 2024, they spent about $5 million just to strip and replace the roof system. If you’ve noticed the dome looks a bit more "vibrant" lately, that’s why. It’s a 25-year warranty blue now.
What’s Actually Inside?
If you're visiting for a convention or a show, here's the breakdown of the space. It's bigger than it looks from the outside.
- Bob Brown Expo Hall: This is the massive 93,000-square-foot addition from the 80s. It's where the big trade shows, car shows, and "Garden Shows" happen.
- The Concert Hall: 2,195 seats. This is the heavy lifter for the performing arts.
- Mary Jane Teall Theater: A much more intimate 652-seat spot. It’s perfect for community theater and lectures.
- Convention Hall: This one is flexible. It can hold over 5,000 people for a presentation, or they can pull back the risers to create 32,000 square feet of flat floor space.
One of the coolest hidden gems is the Wurlitzer Organ. It originally lived in the New York Paramount Theatre in Times Square. Now, it’s tucked away in the Convention Hall. It’s one of the largest of its kind in the world. When that thing starts humming, you can feel it in your teeth.
Why You Should Care
Look, Century II is "Wichita's appendix," as one local critic once put it—everyone has one, and occasionally it feels like it’s about to burst. But it’s also our identity. In a world of glass-and-steel boxes, a giant blue dome is unique. It connects to the Hyatt Regency and sits right on the Arkansas River, making it the anchor for downtown.
Whether you're there for a comic-con or a graduation, the building has a specific vibe. It smells like old theater seats and floor wax, and honestly, that’s part of the charm.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to experience the Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center properly, don't just look at it from the highway.
- Check the Calendar: Go to the official website and grab tickets for a Wichita Symphony or Music Theatre Wichita show. Seeing a performance in the Concert Hall is the only way to truly appreciate the "wedge" design.
- Walk the Riverfront: Park near the Hyatt and walk the path behind Century II. The view of the dome reflecting off the Arkansas River at dusk is the best photo op in the city.
- Support Local Preservation: If you’re into the architecture, keep an eye on the City Council meetings. The debate over further renovations (which could cost upwards of $270 million) is far from over.
- Visit the Expo Hall: Even if you aren't a "convention person," the annual events like the Wichita Home Show give you a sense of the sheer scale of the 1986 expansion.
The blue dome isn't going anywhere tomorrow, but its future depends on people actually using it. Go catch a show. Experience the Wurlitzer. See why this concrete circle is the heart of downtown.