About Us

Where is the Murdock Theatre and the 20th Century Center?

The 20th Century Center, incorporating the Louise C. Murdock Theatre, is located at 536 N. Broadway in Wichita, just one block north of Central on Broadway. The Center sits on the southeast corner of Broadway and Elm Street. The entrance to the Center and the Theater is on the north side of the building, facing Elm Street.

Who can attend films and events at the Theatre?

All events at the 20th Century Club Center are open to the public. Memberships to the Theatre are available.

Who operates the Theatre?

Wichita Film Festivals, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, acquired the 20th Century Club Center in the early years of the 21st century. (You can find out more about the staff of WFF by visiting our contact page.) Since its acquisition of the facility, WFF has been pursuing its vision of providing Wichitans with a unique, quality showcase for worthy film of all descriptions and a gathering place for the medium's many and varied devotees. WFF opened the doors of the Murdock Theatre for its first screenings with a showing of Jack Clayton's THE INNOCENTS in October, 2005.

What's the story behind the unusual facility?

The 20th Century Club Center was, in its first incarnation, the private residence of a prominent Wichita judge. At the turn of the century, while the home was still quite new, it was acquired by the 20th Century Club, a fledgling organization whose founder, Mrs. Louise C. Murdock, hoped to establish a lasting cultural and civic group specifically for Wichita women. Mrs. Murdock's club fluorished Ñ it has, in fact, outlived its name, still meeting today in the Center's original front parlor Ñ and as the country in general moved from Jazz Age excess to the grip of the Great Depression, the Club found itself in need not of reduction, but expansion. The Center's middle structure was thus added as an entryway to the expanded club, followed by the 500-seat Murdock Theatre. Throughout the remainder of the century and the beginning of this one, the Club has continued its work, cultivating the cultural life of Wichita, and maintaining the Center with remarkable care. Particularly impressive is the Theater, with its balcony, shuttered windows, original frescoes, and Art Deco chandeliers.

What's next for the 20th Century Club Center?

After acquiring the facility a few years ago, Wichita Film Festivals, Inc., began improvements to the building, including the addition of an elevator and the installation of a brand new 12' x 22' screen, new sound system, and state-of-the-art digital projector in the Theater. Since its 2005 grand re-opening, the Murdock Theater has hosted an ambitious program of films, with occasional theater and music events.

The 20th Century Club Center is still very much a work in progress, but immediate future plans call for the addition of a first-floor coffee shop and art gallery, and the development of a film reference library. The Center does a brisk rental business in its banquet hall with attached, commercially licensed kitchen. It is the hope of the WFF staff that the Center's spacious stone wraparound porch will soon provide a comfortable summer spot where lovers of film can meet and talk over coffee or drinks, and that its parlor will shelter the same crowds in the fall and winter.

Find out more by visiting us. We look forward to answering any questions you might have. Also, don't miss our schedule of upcoming films.