Urbis has been working closely with an international team to complete the conservation of the mighty Wurlitzer Organ in Sydney’s State Theatre.
The State Theatre Wurlitzer Organ Model 270S Opus 2005 was shipped from the Wurlitzer factory in North Tonawanda, New York, U.S.A in December 1928. It was one of the largest theatre organs imported into Australia during the heyday of the theatre organ. Of the four Model 270 Wurlitzer Organs ever built, it is the only one that remains in situ.
From the time of the opening of the theatre in June 1929, the organ was played at every cinema screening until June 1957. From 1957-1980 the organ was used irregularly for film festivals and premieres and gradually became unplayable. The organ was publicly heard for the last time in 1994.
In 2009, The State Theatre embarked on a museum quality conservation of this internationally significant instrument. Urbis provided expert heritage advice to guide the project that was successfully completed in 2019.
“The work currently being carried out by Urbis for the State Theatre will contribute to the landmark conservation of an internationally significant theatre organ. The voice of the theatre will be returned.