World’s Largest Pipe Organ Delights Pizza Lovers in Mesa
MESA – Organ Stop Pizza possesses all the ingredients of a great pizza parlor, yet people aren’t just drawn here for the Spicy Italian or Hawaiian pies. They are mesmerized by the melodies of The Mighty Wurlitzer – the world’s largest pipe organ.
This massive instrument boasts some 6,000 pipes and requires four huge turbine blowers to operate. The console sits on an 8,000-pound rotating hydraulic elevator. With 43-foot ceilings, you can rest assured the sweet sounds are audible from any seat in the house. Some of the world’s most acclaimed theater organists entertain the guests, managing a mere 276 keys and 798 stops and controls.
Many folks may remember the original Organ Stop Pizza, which was located in Phoenix on the corner of 7th Street and Missouri Avenue. Opening in 1972, this restaurant housed a Wurlitzer pipe organ that was originally built for Grauman’s Hollywood Egyptian Theater. The original owner sold this location to a real estate developer in 1984, who in turn sold the pipe organ to an Illinois couple and built an office complex in its place.
The Mesa location opened in 1975. It moved to its current facility in 1995 on the corner of Stapley Drive and Southern Avenue. The owners of this location nabbed its Wurlitzer from the Denver Theater. It has been significantly rebuilt and enlarged throughout the years.
If You Go:
- Bring cash. No credit or debit cards accepted.
- Address: 1149 E. Southern Ave., Mesa
- Hours: Opens at 3pm, 4pm or 5pm, depending on the day and season. Music begins 30 minutes after opening.
- More info: www.organstoppizza.com
This is not the world’s largest pipe organ. In fact at 6000 pipes, it is rather average. For the world’s largest, you must go to Philadelphia and the Wannamaker organ of over 28,000 pipes.
The Organ Stop Instrument is actually the worlds largest Wurlitzer theatre pipe organ, key word being the manufacturer, but is not the worlds largest organ.
I stand corrected. It is in fact the largest Wurlitzer. However your article states, “They are mesmerized by the melodies of The Mighty Wurlitzer – the world’s largest pipe organ.” It is ambiguous at best.
I know I’m a bit late to this discussion, but I just discovered this website (Arizona Oddities) so I’ll throw my 2 cents in.
The Wanamaker Grand Court Organ in Philly is the world’s largest functioning pipe organ. The key word being “functioning”.
The Boardwalk Hall Midmer-Losh organ in Atlantic City, NJ has over 33,000 pipes. Sadly, that organ currently functions at about 25-30% capacity. However, an ambitious restoration project is underway & even at 25-30% capacity, its still a marvelous sounding instrument & is once again being played regularly.
The Wanamaker has been undergoing restoration for a number of years & has never sounded better. The Macys department store where the Wanamaker is located also has a Wurlitzer in another part of the store. The Wurlitzer is occasionally used to accompany silent movies.
I remember the Organ Stop at 7th St & Missouri & thought it was mighty fine. Wouldn’t mind hearing the organ at the Mesa location if I ever get back to AZ.