We visited Benaroya Hall to attend a presentation by a National Geographic photographer on the migration of the monarch butterfly. It was fascinating to learn what he endured to capture the butterflies' journey from the United States to Mexico. The theater itself is beautiful and well maintained. The lobby feels elegant, with tasteful décor and plenty of great spots for photos. Parking is convenient, with ample paid options available in the garage. The staff truly stood out--they were friendly, welcoming, and eager to help. They offered tips on nearby restaurants for dinner before the event, pointed us toward the restrooms, and let us know where to find coffee and snacks. The bathrooms were clean, and the seating in the auditorium was easy to navigate. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and Benaroya Hall proved to be an excellent venue for an event. read more

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I started visiting benaroya hall when my daughter played for the rainier symphony and they played during Christmas season. I also sang there for UGMs 90th anniversary celebration, at one of the smaller halls at the venue. This time around we went to see Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. I wanted to surprise my husband because it reminded us of our childhood. Hr said it was the best concert he's ever been to. And we've been to a lot, plus we are also Musicians. Staff who work at Benaroya are always friendly and helpful. From ticket takers, door greeter, even the ones selling you snacks and drinks. Only negative I have to say about this place, is if you're selling us three dollar cups to bring inside auditorium, then add cup holders to your seats so we don't have to carry the cup the entire concert. I refuse to place my cup on the floor. read more

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The thing I like most about Benaroya Hall, not even touching on the great programming, like the live Fantasia performance that we saw last year, is its lovely hillside situation. From its entrance street, it's inviting, warm and unprepossessing like a city bistro or an off roadway theater, but once you enter, you realize how vast and stunning it is. And you can certainly see that from down the hill too. I wish I could come here even more. I also love how you can reserve your intermission drinks ahead of time. Amazing. read more

Benaroya Hall - The beautiful exterior. - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Benaroya Hall in downtown Seattle is a premiere performance hall (primarily) for the Seattle Symphony. The Seattle Symphony produces an impressive array of performances - the classical, modern concerts, movie accompaniments, talk/discussions, and themed shows such as having cirque dancers perform. In 2022, they hosted a fundraiser for Ukraine with performances from the Ukraine Slavic United Choir as well as Ukraine traditional dances by the Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble. My most recent show is watching Hilary Hahn's fingers fly effortlessly along her violin. It was mesmerizing. The Benaroya Hall has two auditoriums. I have only been to the 2,500 seats venue named S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium. There is a smaller Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall that seats 536. Benaroya Hall is available for rent. Opened in 1998, this hall has held up very, very well. The physical space occupies a full city block plus dedicated parking underneath. We commonly use street or alternate parking lots. The bathrooms are located on both sides of the main hall. I have never had a bad experience enjoying a show here. Full disclosure that the homeless lingers along 3rd Avenue. If you have a strong adversity, approach from their private garage or Union Street or University Street. My personal experience has been they leave you alone. read more

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I arrived at Benaroya hall and was told that there time to go to the restroom before they would stop seating. Much to my chagrin I came out and was told I would have to wait until intermission to go in. I was told the second half was better than the first half by staff. I think that was an insult to the musicians. The staff was very rude and told us to go watch on the monitors and then took the chairs away. I flew in from a different state and never have had this issue. Regardless I would not recommend this venue because the staff that seats and controls the doors is extremely unprofessional! Avoid it if you can! Any other venue is better!!! read more

Fantastic venue for concerts and performances. The acoustics are incredible and the style is both modern and appreciative of the arts. Do yourself a favor and see a show at Benaroya!! read more

Benaroya Hall - View from third tier, row A - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Beautiful acoustics. I've attended graduations, concerts, and various non profit events. The food area is really well done with a good selection of options and the indoor section prior to entering the Hall is very cozy and warm. The Hall is a destination for music of all genres and for music aficionados like my self, I enjoy the smaller and more intimate venues where you can really hear the talking drum, balaphone, trumpet, and accapella. A really wonderful venue. read more

Attended a National Geographic lecture on monarch butterflies and their amazing migration. Very impressive venue. Staff was friendly and helpful. read more

PAUL SIMON This is a medium-sized concert hall in Seattle. Only 2500 seats, and precisely the type of place you want to see a major artist like Paul Simon. Paul's voice is showing his age, but he has assembled an excellent group of musicians that totally rock. This is an artist that needs no introduction, and given his advanced age, this may very well be his last tour. I saw him about ten years ago at the Hollywood Bowl in LA. At that time, he could still sing melodically in the original keys. Now he can =no longer hit the high notes and needs to talk a few of the lines of his songs, but his attitude, and his stories are priceless. If you can catch him anywhere on this (probably his last) tour. Don't hesitate, buy tickets, at resell if you have too. You won't regret it. Excelciaor. read more

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Fantastic concert hall downtown Seattle. This beautiful spacious hall is perfect for hearing quality sound with the live orchestra. All staff are friendly and very helpful at getting you to your seat. They also have food and coffee available before entering the main lobby and in the main lobby there are other beverages available. read more

Benaroya Hall - Bugs Bunny at the Stmphony - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

First off.... Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass was SUPERB! I'm glad to finally see him and his band in person. We took my wiles mother and stepfather and they both had big smiles on their faces all through the show. The staff too were nice and friendly. Then there was the hall itself..... I had forewarning from friends and the website "A View From My Seat". Benaroya Hall is notorious for obstructed views. It does not matter if you buy the most expensive seats or the cheaper once your view of the stage may be blocked. Your view of the stage may be blocked by rows and rows of people. The balconies, even the one you're sitting in, will obstruct your view. Not to mention the railing. Another on going problem that we experienced are the elevators. Seems the elevators are always not working. I will one come here for the Greats. For everything else I will pass. read more

Benaroya Hall - Typical Benaroya Seat Obstruction - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is a wonderful venue to hear Seattle Symphony performances live! I visited in mid-November 2024 to hear Mahler's Symphony #1 on a drizzly Thursday evening and was very impressed by a virtuoso performance of Benjamin Britten's Piano Concerto #1. Lots of pluses. First, it's right in the heart of downtown (about a 10-min walk from the Convention Center). Second, the main recital hall has a feeling of openness with excellent acoustics (for symphony performances). Third, the ushers were very helpful in directing you toward your seats. Fourth, there are food options in the hallway before you enter the auditorium and a cute gift shop where you can pick up music-themed stationary. The local crowd really appreciates their conductor and orchestra here! read more

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I've seen many performances here and it is top notch! The seats are comfortable and the prices are relatively affordable depending on the show you're seeing. The hall itself is beautiful. The staff that work here are friendly and helpful and very efficient getting everyone seated and ready for the performance. They sell drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic) and I just noticed at the last one that they have snacks too! There are restaurants in the lobby of the hall if you want to grab a bite before but there are also some options on the streets around the venue. read more

Watched a show there last week and it was smooth to get in and seating was easy as well. Beautiful venue. The only scary thing is if you're on the balcony 3rd floor area, it's quite a fall if you slip. Saw some seats super close to the rails and it looked scary. read more

I went here to see Harry Potter at the Seattle Symphony and was so impressed. This is one of my favorite places to see a show. They had some great HP decor in the lobby which made for fun photo opps. The staff is well placed throughout the venue and super helpful. We had no issue finding out seats between the clear signage and the amazing employees directing us. We always get the box seats here and have an amazing unobstructed view. It's great being able to see the screen from up high with no visual distractions. There are refreshments on every floor and multiple bar options. The bar on the upper floor had a short line, so we went there to get water and wine for the show. It's awesome that you can get a double pour of wine or even pre-order your refreshments to pick up during intermission. Very good flow of people in and out of the auditorium, clean bathrooms, and so many friendly people. I truly love coming here. read more

Beautiful performance venue. Sound acoustics are soaring -- even seats in the third balcony corner are incredible. Having attended more than two and a half dozen concerts -- ranging from the Seattle Symphony to the PLU choir to SYML and the movie nights with the symphony -- including being a member for a couple of years, over the course of years, I can vouch for tevery section offering great sound. Some seats obviously offer better visuals of the performance stage-- like the balcony seats, and those closer to the stage, but much depends on which visuals appeal. Seating in the upper tier back corner for some last minute tickets I thought I would miss out -- and it was even better than expected bc I watched the entire orchestra, all the musicians, move so passionately as they played the Rachmaninov piano concerto. During intermission the lines can be long so pre-ordering is a super smart move. Also loved the good food at David's & Co. in the building (maybe not the best seats for eating, but food was delicious). read more

I attended the Distant Worlds: Music From Final Fantasy concert here and oh man.....the acoustics. Let's just say that the brawny man who was sitting next to me seemed to try his hardest not to ugly cry while "Zanarkand" was being played by the orchestra. Buttery smoooooth acoustics that echo in a majestic way. Though, the volume is quite loud from orchestra center row M (I've sat in a similar row at other symphony halls with less problems regarding volume) so might recommend some earplugs if you do sit in that row or a row closer to the stage. Ears still slightly ringing as I type this. Seats are on the smaller side (brawny man was taking some of my leg space). Elevation difference between rows in orchestra center is just okay (a tall woman was sitting in front of me and some of my view was obstructed.....nothing that was really aggravating though). read more

The last concert I heard here was in midNovember 2025, seated near the orchestra section. The acoustics are pleasing. The orchestra sounds so-o good! read more

I love this venue for many reasons! They offer diverse entertainment. It's not just the symphony, but the symphony is great. I have seen rock concerts, lectures, comedians, dance recitals, and couch sessions just to name a few. The venue is very manageable. There is a parking garage, and it is also very accessible by public transit. There are many restaurants in the vicinity to enjoy prior to or after an event, and some refreshment can be found in the venue. I don't feel as though there is a bad seat in the house, and there are elevators and wheelchairs available. read more

My hubby and I came to Benaroya Hall for Midori Goto debut 40th anniversary performance on April 12th. The show starts at 7:30 pm and we got there two hours early. We had a light meal at Davids & Co in the hall. We could parked in the same building but we took the light rail is convenient for transportation this time. It was a very easy access and quick exit from hall when the show finished. Highly recommend it. I have been to this hall several times and the bar inside the hall is well serviced and friendly. read more

Benaroya Hall - Benaroya Hall - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Benaroya Hall is the beautiful venue of the Seattle Symphony. We subscribed for the 2023-2024 season to get guaranteed tickets for Joe Hisaishi and I do not regret it. We don't love the drive to Seattle and the line up for next year isn't as impressive (this year had so many standouts- Joe Hisaishi, Audra McDonald, Yuja Wang, Joshua Bell!) but I will definitely keep an eye out for future seasons/ perhaps buy tickets individually-the have a cool series of the orchestra playing along to films that's pretty fantastic (this year we saw Princess Bride). The constant email and mail requests for donations are a tad bit of a turn off considering the cost of tickets but they are not the only ones doing so. The staff is fantastic- had a lovely chat with an agent in the phone (I believe her name is Kim) and she got our seats swapped and one of our concerts swapped due to a scheduling conflict and was so lovely to make suggestions on a replacement concert. The folks in person have been great as well. I would stay away from the third tier boxes closer to the stage as the view is obstructed but you get a great view from pretty much everywhere else and the acoustics are good as well. read more

Home to the Grammy award-winning Seattle Symphony, Benaroya Hall is a beautiful concert hall with excellent, full acoustics. Acoustics provide for a wonderful concert experience from every seating area in the auditorium. As a frequent Seattle Symphony concert-goer, enjoy the audio quality at Benaroya whether enjoying full symphonies, chamber works or pop series. Underground parking is available for all concerts at Benaroya. Restroom facilities on both sides of the hall, exiting orchestra right and orchestra left. Currently, proof of full vaccination or negative Covid test is required for all concertgoers, as well as masks during performances, ensuring a safe experience for all. read more

Benaroya Hall - Seattle Symphony - Brahms Symphony No. 1, November 2021 - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Gorgeous venue. Great concerts and events. Came here for the Joe Hisaishi concert and was overwhelmed with emotions and joy. I may be biased because of the event but the venue certainly highlighted the sounds and the beauty of the place made it even more memorable. The food options are not great here though so don't expect to eat dinner before a show here. Beautiful lobby area for photos too. read more

I attended "A Conversation with Larry David" last night at the Benaroya Hall/S. Mark Taper Auditorium. While the event/conversation itself was quite enjoyable, the sound was absolutely atrocious. Back rows hardly heard a word being spoken, and several folks started leaving - despite the rather high ticket cost. When the microphones finally did increase in volume towards the very end, there was feedback noise. It felt like a free, community center production rather than professional venue. Additionally, a couple of videos were played in order to help demonstrate how the show they were discussing was largely improvised and the video audio completely cut out halfway through. Incredibly disappointing experience, and one I will never recommend. read more

Went to the Hall to attend "A Conversation with Larry David." The sound was absolutely appalling. No one could hear anything in the back or at the top. People starting leaving towards the end of the show. I left when they started the Q&A section, because I couldn't even make out what the questions were. Benaroya is probably great for symphonies. It's is terrible for shows that feature a speaker. A tip to anyone who is doing speaking engagements like Larry David, perform at the Moore. Conan sounded fantastic there. read more

I've visited career fairs here. I had my beauty school graduation here. And I've attended several show performances from the Seattle Symphony. Really elegant hall to host anything. I recommend checking out their schedule calendar as there's usually something that would float your boat and it's something nice to drag you out of the house, but still indoors that's suitable for Seattle's rainy weather. My most memorable is going to see Harry Potter, they play the entire movie with a live band playing the soundtrack in the background. Dress code was all across the board. Most of the time, you're usually supposed to dress formal, but unfortunately it's Seattle and you CANNOT enforce people to dress up, so you had anywhere from people in 3 piece suits to sweatpants and because there's a theme to it, even Harry Potter cosplay. The diversity adds to the charm. The only downside is that it's in Downtown Seattle, maybe park within their garage to limit roaming around these streets. Tell me about your experience if you've been here or is going to after reading this review:) read more

Went to two different concerts there and half of the elevators were not working. On top of that, no stair access to the lower parking levels. Would not recommend this theatre simply because the maintenance and ease to get in and out is horrendous. read more

I really enjoyed my time at Benroya to see the one and only Joe Hisaishi this weekend. The venue is casual and cozy, which made the symphonic experience more intimate for me. I also liked that the entering and exiting were very smooth and quick. Looking forward to coming again at some point. read more

Just love this place. The building is beautiful, the artists are superb, the acoustics are amazing, and it is well-run. No nonsense buying tickets or getting access to them. The website is a bit confusing, as there are several options to get to the schedule you want, but easy enough to manage, and they don't make you jump through hoops to access your tickets. No extraordinary service fees. The staff is great - very kind and helpful. I love the location, too, right in the middle of everything, and you can easily make a day of it, with sightseeing or restaurant experiences before or after. Free coat check, and they will even save your shopping bags for you. Nice gift shop plus coffee and a restaurant. Great place. Hope it stays just as it is. read more

Benaroya Hall is an expansive space that fills an entire block in downtown Seattle. Within it there are two beautifully designed music halls where you can listen to amazing symphonies. The way the music so perfectly resonates throughout the space almost feels like you're on the stage. The seating makes it reasonably easy to see the stage and performers as well. Before the performance you can dine on food provided by one of several restaurants in the building. Or wander around and enjoy the art displayed by artists such as Chihuly. During performance intermission, head to one of the strategically located bars for a glass of wine or a snack. Multiple restrooms are also available for when you need them. The symphonies at Benaroya Hall have lower cost ticket options for those who want to give it a try but don't want to spend a large amount. If you truly enjoy symphony performances, consider getting a subscription that will allow you to attend all of your favorites throughout the season. read more

Benaroya Hall - Such a beautiful venue - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Was sold tickets to an event at Benaroya. Paid the premium to have front row seats. One of my seats view was 100% obstructed by a large speaker. Spoke to their usher and they did nothing. Had the description of the ticket said "obstructed view" like other seats that were for sale--I would completely understand. I paid for seats that were NOT described as obstructed. Horrible experience. read more

There was a time before Benaroya Hall existed - when the ballet and symphony had no home of their own. Then a bunch of people, businesses, and a dash of government help built Benaroya Hall opening in 1998. The Hall is huge. It is the home of Seattle Symphony and has two performance halls inside. It can be used for other events as my college held its graduation ceremony here years and years ago. It has small stores (some of the most affordable and prettiest scarves around), coffee shop, and underground parking garage. I come here a couple times a year typically to watch the symphony, this time to listen to the Sounds of Space. I love Benaroya. Even though it is over twenty years old it is exceptionally maintained. It is clean. Everyone here is nice. The majority of people working here are volunteers and you can tell how much they care. Currently there is still a mask and proof of vaccine mandate here, but considering how many people are crowded together and COVID still wants to hang out with us all I am fine with it. I don't want COVID so not only am I going to happily wear my mask but also book the tier box seats so I can have maximum social distancing. I like the box seats since I have a good vantage. They aren't much more comfortable - if they are at all more comfortable - but they give me space and I personally like that. Benaroya is a great facility and a lovely place to listen to music. read more

I just saw Fran Lebowitz at Benaroya Hall/Mark Taper Auditorium. It was the wort live interview I've ever seen. This space is not meant for speaking, best for music only. The acoustics and sound was so off that most of the first two rows on one side just left to find seats further back or left all together. People were getting up and leaving all through the event. I could hear her, but she sometimes sounded slurred and other times there was so much reverb with sound bouncing everywhere I had a hard time making out words. Fran couldn't hear anyone asking questions in the Q&A. And was constantly asking people to repeat themselves. A strange woman walked up to the stage making Fran uncomfortable to the point she was asking for someone that worked there to help her several times and no one showed up. Audience members had to get up to try to escort the woman out, until 5-10 minutes later at least finally some staff showed up. The lobby snacks and drink selection are just unhealthy junk as well. Not the quality I would expect from attending a venue like this, just a fancy mall kiosk. I'll never go to watch anything other than music here again. read more

Benaroya Hall is such a beautiful space for performing arts in downtown Seattle. I've visited Benaroya Hall a few times for some Seattle Symphony shows and am always amazed by how wonderful the space is. Benaroya Hall is easily accessible, especially if traveling on link light rail, as it literally goes under the Benaroya Hall in the tunnel. What's especially cool about that, when constructing Benaroya Hall, they made sure to soundproof the building, to block any noise from the train or any other downtown noise, as to not disturb any performances. Brilliant! The space is beautiful and well-lit, no matter which concert hall you enter for a show. Every performance room is well-equipped with speakers throughout the space, so every concert-goer can hear and enjoy the sounds, no matter how far back they're sitting. Chairs are also very comfortable with velvet upholstery. There are some dining options in the lobby area, with casual eats and a gift shop. However, the space offers catering for special events and a full bar during intermission. But because Benaroya Hall is so centrally-located in downtown Seattle, there are plenty of dining options in all price ranges. Parking is available in the garage. I enjoy coming to Benaroya Hall for a show. It's accessible location and inviting atmosphere make it a must, at least once, to see a performance. Glad to have been able to be a part of it! read more

Benaroya Hall - Lobby Area - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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The Benaroya Hall is considered the biggest at downtown Seattle. Very close the the light rail station. It is venue that has all form of transportation can be reached. It is the home for great Seattle Symphony. This performance art center has two halls. One seat 2500 people and the other seat over 500 people. We were here for a video concert. The concert is the Final Fantasy the Distance World. If you are video fan, this is the night for you. Some people who attended where the video games outfits. Especially the girls. The costume is beautiful. The concert performance by the Seattle Symphony. It is eye open experienced for me. The performance art center is beautiful. However, when you have over 2000 people attending the concert, it make the Benaroya Hall look pack. May be they need to build the reception auditorium bigger. The seat is comfortable. The bathroom is big enough to handle the big crowds. read more

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Went to see Canadian Brass in December. Great seats, ambiance, sound. Such a beautiful space.

We love Benaroya Hall! The Seattle Symphony is like none other (maybe) with its friendliness and approachability. The venue is large and accommodates a plethora of musical opportunities for one to enjoy. Take a step away from the large auditorium to the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Hall for shows dedicated to the introduction and education of children. Several times each year, members of the Symphony host Tiny Tots, a weekday matinee performance of a small contingent of the members of the Seattle Symphony; this time a string quartet made up of two violinists, one violist and a cellist, and hosted by a charismatic French Horn player. The thirty minute performance taught children about Mozart, a one-line story of his life then a few notes about melody, theme and variation and so much beautiful, live music! In addition to the Tiny Tots, the room also hosts Jazz4Kids, where children and their families are invited to see and hear live jazz music in a one-hour, weekend matinee performance (without intermission). The concert offers instrument demonstrations and an opportunity for children to ask questions of the artists, in addition to the instrument "petting zoo", which can be enjoyed the hour prior to the start of the concert. read more

Benaroya Hall - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Great venue but a few bad apples. I took my partner here for her first night out in 3 years as well as her birthday and our anniversary, she's an oncology nurse that has been in the thick of Covid watching patients and friends pass away daily and Tchaikovsky is her favorite composer. Picture perfect, right? She removed her mask for a few minutes without realizing the rules and came back from intermission to find the following note on her chair: "put your f*cking mask on!!!" She understandably cried feeling crushed that she had worked so hard for 3 years battling against Covid for some Karen to made a judgment when no one was within 10+ feet of us. I dunno, I just can't support a business that welcomes Founder Tier members like this. If they were so upset, say something, have some courage, and she would gladly share her view (triple vaxxed by the way). read more

Since Benaroya Hall opened back in 1998, I've attended many events in both halls (Taper and Nordstrom) for either one of three events: musical (Seattle Symphony, Seattle Men's Chorus), National Geographic lectures, or memorials. This venue hosts a wide variety of events year round. I'm surprised I haven't formally contributed a Yelp post until this evening for the 12/21/17 Seattle Men's Chorus Sassy Brassy Holiday show. It is convenient that there is underground parking (entrance on 2nd Avenue), part of the Metro bus tunnel system, dining amenities onsite (David's, Honor), and friendly ticket office and ushers. There's also the stunning Chihuly glass work displayed. Pretty much it has held up for over two decades, only thing that is slightly noticeable is the worn carpeting on the stairs. The acoustics are superb. What's nice is that the Pacific NW fleece crowds can still mingle with the dressed to the nines formals....Seattle makes art and culture accessible to all at Benaroya Hall. read more

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I didn't realize I hadn't written this review yet. But Benaroya is a beautiful hall in a great location with awesome acoustics. It's connected to the transit tunnel by elevator. Some pro tips: - Be a Donor and Symphony subscriber - you get access to a Friends lounge for free coffee and tea at intermission, you can swap tickets if you can't make a show, you get an upgrade pass so you can sit with the big wigs for one show - Pre-order your intermission drink so that you're not spending all intermission in a line to get a drink that you won't be allowed to bring into the auditorium - People watching in the Atrium is best from the balcony Have fun!! read more

Benaroya Hall - Lobby - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington