Mighty
    Wurlitzer
    Theater
    Organ

    The 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ is an impressive icon of Grand Rapids and an artifact preserved in the GRPM’s Collections used to entertain and educate all ages through the annual concert series and year-long programming.

    Upcoming Organ Concerts

    Holiday Classics with organist Lance Luce

    Friday, December 13, 2024 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 2 p.m.

    On December 13th and 14th, the GRPM will conclude its 2024 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ Concert Series with themed Holiday Classics organ concerts performed by iconic Madison Heights, MI, and Detroit Red Wings organist, Lance Luce.

    Deck the halls this season by enjoying cheerful holiday songs on the GRPM’s 1928 Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ and classics such as Jingle Bells, Silent Night, The First Noel, and more. 

    Tickets are $20, and just $16 for GRPM members.

    Get Tickets

    About the Organist

    Lance Luce is an internationally acclaimed theatre organist and is currently the head organist at Little Ceasar’s Arena for the Detroit Red Wings. He has played hundreds of concerts all over the United States, Canada, England, and Australia. In 2014 he was awarded Organist of the Year by the American Theatre Organ Society. 

    Lance has played concerts for numerous chapters of the American Theatre Organ Society and other affiliated theatre organ groups and clubs. He has played for National and regional conventions of the ATOS in the United States and TOSA in Australia. 

    At age 18, Lance won first-place honors in the Yamaha National Electone organ competition in California. The next year he was appointed the Head Staff Organist at Radio City Music Hall in New York, on the largest Wurlitzer ever built. Lance has made many recordings, including being part of the famous “Theatre Organ Greats – A Salute to Radio City Music Hall.” 

    Lance is on the staff at the Fox Theatre and Redford Theatre in Detroit, and the Michigan Theatre in Ann Arbor. He has been a church organist for 47 years and is an organist at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Bloomfield Hills.

    Lance Ruse in a red jacket sitting at a red organ

    History of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ.

    The Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organs were the most famous musical instrument built by Wurlitzer. On February 9, 1928, out of North Tonawanda, New York, the Wurlitzer Company manufactured and shipped the Opus #1836, a “3 manual special,” to the Stanley Theater of Jersey City, New Jersey. This Mighty Wurlitzer Organ spent two decades entertaining customers at the Roaring 20’s Pizza Parlor on 28th Street in Grand Rapids, before it was moved to its current location at the Grand Rapids Public Museum.

    Hear Melodies on the Mighty Wurlitzer Theater Organ! 

    Volunteer organists demonstrate the Wurlitzer most Monday and Thursday afternoons. Times may vary. We recommend inquiring before your visit to ensure our organist is scheduled for the day you intend to visit. During these times the doors of the Meijer Theater are open for visitors to stop, sit, and enjoy! These demonstrations are included with general admission.