This is a stunning hall, both in its beauty and the acoustics. It's a pretty simple lobby area, but has beautiful Chiluly glass, of which I am a big fan. The hall is very nice, with simple wood paneling and different balcony levels, but none of them extending out very far. This gives everyone on the first floor the best unmuffled sound. I was able to sit in the first row, and it was really awesome getting to see people's facial expressions. read more

We have been here a few times, and I've finally decided to write a review due to how impressed I was this last weekend. The production was simply named An Evening with Bach. This particular performance was mainly strings, which I love. Nicholas McGegan was the conductor. He managed to blend humor and class effortlessly. Ani Kavafian, the guest violinist, performed brilliantly. At one point, my husband whispered, "Wow!" McGegan's magnetism and enthusiasm shined throughout the evening. We bought the tickets the day before the performance, and were pleasantly surprised to see great seats available (Section B orchestra). The process was effortless. The website even allows you to purchase prepaid subterranean parking. We usually have them send us our tickets, but picked them up at the box office this time due to the last minute purchase. Everything was hassle-free. Benaroya Hall has decent pre-show food available for purchase outside of their lobby area, but I would recommend it if you haven't made other dinner plans. This time, we had a 5:30 reservation in Belltown before our arrival at 7:45. read more

David motherfucking Byrne. amazing. read more

I had the overwhelming feeling that no one at Benaroya has ever done their job before. They were supposed to email me tickets - they didn't. Elevator from the garage is supposed to operate 2 hours before performance - it doesn't. Doors were supposed to open 2 hours before performance - they didn't (spent a lot of time with some neat people on 3rd). Once I got in everyone was kind of looking at each other. Was able to walk right into the venue during soundcheck which should not happen. Maybe after a few more concerts there everyone will get the hang of it? read more

I can't figure out why everyone's giving the love but holding back a star. It's a 5-star joint people! Just saw "Play! A Video Game Symphony" here this afternoon, and the whole experience was lovely. Parked next door to avoid the traffic for $7. Sweet! Had second tier center tickets, and the view was spectacular. Wasn't interested in intermission drinks (why would I want to be needing the restroom when it all got out???) so can't comment on that. Totally dug the folks who got all dressed up in their gowns. We were wearing typical Seattle gear (but no jeans) and were generally presentable. I even tested out what the program states: Ushers will have cough drops sponsored by Ricola. Oh yeah they do, and three of them fought to be the first one to get me my cough drops. I'm all about free cough drops!* Lovely lovely lovely! *I've actually been fighting off a cough so I didn't just put them through the effort for nothing! read more

Benaroya Hall is a beautiful building. I went here awhile back for wine tasting and a show and the evening was lovely. The facility is elegant and handles crowds well. The hall itself has top-notch acoustics and every seat in the house seems like it would be a good one. Seating is painless and the ushers are gracious. Productions range from operas to speakers and much in between. If you are lucky you can find street parking nearby but if you can't there is a parking garage in the building. The view from the floor to ceiling windows is perfect to watch the sunset and be in the midst of the buildings. Nice date spot! read more

LOVE Benaroya Hall. I come here once a month to watch the Symphony and the venue isn't only lovely and large yet intimate, but also super convenient to get to (University Tunnel stop is literally connected to it). I've never waited more than 2 minutes to get my will call tickets. Most shows come with pre concert talks or events so you truly get the bang for your buck. They serve alcohol during intermission. There's a gift shop, Starbucks, and even a Wolfgang Puck dining option. The Wolfgang and Starbucks is in a cafeteria like setting but slightly upscale. They also have a coat check option. The staff is extremely friendly and the acoustics inside the hall are phenomenal. If you're under 30, the symphony has options for purchasing cheaper tickets. I take advantage of this at least once a month and have seen some remarkable concerts. The bathrooms are always clean but the ones on the first floor get kind of crazy so I always run upstairs to the second floor to use those bathrooms. No line! During intermissions, they have certain "lounges" open so make sure you check it out. If you're a local or a visitor and you can get tickets to see the Seattle Symphony, check them out. I've spent the past few years in DC and saw the National Symphony biweekly and I think the Seattle Symphony is far greater! :) They don't ONLY do Symphony events, they also have speakers, other concerts, and a National Geographic Live series. I also have thoroughly enjoyed the National Geographic series even though some may argue that the ticket prices aren't worth it. read more

What an amazing building. I have seen some great music, my son's graduation, the tiny tot's series for the Seattle symphony and had a job interview all in this building. The stunning glasswork is so NW, and while Chihuly is widely placed around town, the pieces here are stunning enough to still take one's breath away. The Starbucks in the lobby is convenient, with tables to sit and chat at before/after events or while being interviewed in my case. The smaller auditorium that held the Tiny Tots was perfect, as many other reviewers mention, every seat is a good one. We had a similiar experience with my son's graduation, the auditorium was massive, but had fantastic sound and it was a night to remember. read more

i was here for a benefit show last week and came away from it amazed!! the building itself is beautiful on the outside and just as fabulous, if not better, on the inside it doesn't look as big on the outside as it is in the inside and i was surprised at its size! the sound was amazing and i felt really in the moment as i was there watching the show can't wait to go back in a few months for a gershwin show! read more

A definite five star venue and a fitting place to take my #400 review spot. Yes, I had been holding onto this particular review spot, truly marking that Yelp is an addiction and not just a passing fancy. And I saved it for something this worthy. First off, the venue is lovely. The architecture is modern but not as cold or sterile as other symphony halls I've attended. It strangely has a cozy feeling to it. Perhaps it is because it is a small hall for a major city, but it seems appropriate for Seattle. Of course the Founder's level are the coveted seats and go quite quickly. I was fortunate enough to get the second best seats, which are any of the box seats available. They offer beautiful views and a more intimate feel. You may actually enjoy only being near two other couples than crammed into a long row. But the hand off is no head on view. There have been many shows I have missed here, most recently La Boheme, which I do regret. But when I heard Play! was coming I was most pleased. First off, Play! is a unique experience. You get a cross-section of regular symphony patrons, older video game lovers, and parents and their video game loving children. So it's a nice mix of young and old. Informed music lovers and people who just like games. For me, this experience turned out to be so much more. It was our 10 year anniversary and thanks to MMAD we were able to enjoy it. We also didn't realize until we were there that Arnie Roth was the conductor. Most people don't know who he is, but he was originally part of "Dear Friends" and "More Friends". These were projects of Nobou Uematsu, the composer of many of the Final Fantasy series music, raved as some of the greatest video game music ever composed. In 2003 and 2004 for E3, Uematsu translated his music for the LA Philharmonic and with Roth gave the world a wonderful new experience. The shows were once in a lifetime. The whole idea of symphony translated video game music was belittled and even right before the performance, the musicians were laughing to the press about it. It wasn't until afterwards that they admitted to the same press that they had never heard an audience applaud, hoot, holler and react so passionately to any music they had ever performed. Thus Play! was able to be born. Uematsu also took the time to create the Fanfare piece and of course allowed many of his Final Fantasy pieces to be played during Play!, including the breathtaking finale "One Winged Angel". While Play! was a wonderful experience, it was 1/10th of what Roth's previous concerts were. The Seattle Symphony itself is quite small and could not reproduce the soul moving energy and depth that a full orchestra could. The songs were varied from many different consoles and generations. Which was a nice sample of all the music but isolated much of the audience. I mean almost anyone today knows the Super Mario Bros tune. But most won't pick up Oblivion, Halo, or even what a Final Fantasy tune sounds like. Which was evident from the lack of response. This was not meant to be pinky-in-the-air aristocratic music where you sit staring and unmoved. As in the previous two concerts, Roth wants people to communicate with him and the symphony. And truly, I think he expected more yelling and whistling then what was offered. Overall, the performance was unique, the acoustics were solid and the view spectacular. The downers were the lack of enthusiasm from the crowd and the size of the symphony, which didn't do the music justice. Hopefully neither will deter Roth from bringing this show to other cities. read more

Absolutely stunning venue! Very beautiful and well crafted inside. I love that they have food to eat before the show! Nothing fancy or anything but a sandwich bar, starbucks, etc, so if you come hungry you have options. I did find that the drink lines ran into the i want to go inside lines a little too often but it wasn't that big of a deal. I was VERY impressed with the restroom situation - I went during intermission and did not rush as I would normally do, and I didn't have to wait in a line at all! Very glad they've got that sorted out. Really a great symphony hall. read more

considering how gorgeous the place is, i'm surprised people didn't dress up more to come here. there was a lot of folks that came very casual. i guess it is seattle and there are only a couple places where you really do need to dress up. this is still a great place to come and listen. our seats were on the main floor and it was quick to get to them. it's laid out pretty well. my one warning is that the garage closes early. we went out and got dessert afterwards, only to find the garage and all the elevators shut down. we had to call to be let in and it was only 11 pm when we walked back. read more

Love the Benaroya -- and the programming with the Seattle Symphony is awesome. I was part of the Wolfgang back in the day too, which was total VALUE. The Wild Ginger across the street is great for pre-show dinner or drinks. I have gotten lost before. There is more than one stage there, so sometimes, if one auditorium is empty, your show might be in the other smaller one. After I found out about this, I was really upset because I missed the show when I actually could have made it. read more

I didn't know that weddings were held here, and that when you get invited to an event here it would transform into such an elegant place. (for all events) I've watched symphony's here concerts here, company parties here, weddings here....... The list goes on.... immaculate is all I can really say... amazingly immaculate read more

I love Benaroya Hall, it's one of my favorite venues in Seattle. The acoustics are excellent, the seats comfortable and even from the back you feel close to the stage. I've been here several times, the last one was for the Seattle Men's Chorus Christmas concert and I really wish they would do all of their performances here. There's a parking garage which is pricey as you'd expect for event parking in Seattle. We usually take the bus which drops us off right around the corner. read more

Unmatched acoustics and seating. The best seats in the house may be the cheapest seats in the house. Pretty amazing. One minus is that the wine tasting that was held before the performance was one of the worst organized events I have ever seen. They didn't bring enough wine. The lines were hundreds of people long. Complete and utter failure at any price. They should hire some gradeschoolers to run it better. This place is a pure class. Come here and enjoy it. read more

I've been here a dozen or so times, and it's a perfectly nice venue. However, one of my shows was recently canceled (by them, not me) and I wasn't automatically refunded for my ticket--they actually made me call their ticket office and wait on hold just to get my money back. And this is totally standard procedure for them, like they're just hoping people forget to call and forfeit their money. Not cool, guys... read more

Review #300! How can you not love Benaroya Hall? Even if you're not a musician yourself, there is a lot to appreciate, just in the architecture of the building. Being a musician, I understand just how amazing the acoustics and the hall itself are for playing. Many, many years ago I was part of a youth orchestra that had the privilege to play on the stage here. It was an awesome experience. More recently I came to watch the Seattle Symphony. Despite being a violinist, sometimes it's hard for me to sit and watch an orchestra play, especially pieces as long as a symphony normally performs. I was entranced the whole time, and the interpretations of the music were wonderful. I didn't bother with food or drink here, since it does cost an arm and a leg. read more

I'll divide this into 2 categories: Wedding: I was here for a wedding reception and it was held at the grand lobby. The venue is too big (250 guests) and people are sprawled all over. No intimacy. The place is grand and beautiful but it has a convention feel to it. Performance: I was here 4 times (3 orchestra shows and 1 dance show) and the prices are just amazing. People who works here are very professional. Interior is not as pretty as the 5th Avenue theater but the design is very well thought. No bad seat or angle at all. Acoustics, it was superb. I invited my friends last night for the for the Buenos Aires Tango show and I thought that was AMAZING. It's one of the best show that I've seen in the US so far. I really hope Buenos Aires Tango show will be back again in the future. Bravo! read more

I've seen a couple shows at Benaroya Hall with the most recent Chris Cornell on 10/20/2013. Benaroya Hall is probably acoustically the best sounding venue in Seattle with the Triple Door a close 2nd. The ushers are helpful and friendly. The venue is easy to navigate with good parking. My only drawback is seating in the 3rd Tier only because I'm deathly afraid of heights. IF you have any issues with heights, DO NOT get seats in the 3rd Tier. Luckily the usher let me move down a tier after I had an anxiety attack. Though it does sound decent that high up which is more than I can say for other venues nose bleed seats. read more

Benaroya Hall - Stage view at Benaroya Hall from the 3rd Tier Box G Seats 5 & 6. - Performing Arts Near Me - Seattle, Washington

My first experience at Benaroya Hall occurred last night with Seattle Arts and Lectures hosting an evening with Patti Smith. THE Patti Smith. I bought us Patron seating tickets which meant sitting in the second row, a mere yard from the very spot on the stage where Patti spit after singing - a capella - "Because The Night". I cannot think of a better way to pop my Benaroya cherry unless I was sitting in Patti's lap and she was cooing in my ear. The evening was so magical that not even the usher who takes his job VERY seriously could ruin my experience. All I'm saying is do not ignore him when he yells at you to stop walking (wasn't me). And when you see his ponytail flush with blood to match his angry countenance? Run, child. read more

Can I get an amen?! No, it's not a place to worship thank goodness, but it sure makes me want to scream hallelujah! I've seen only symphonies at Benaroya Hall, and each time I walk in there I feel like royalty. You can purchase wine and dessert during intermissions which makes string instruments sound so much better, interestingly. Acoustics are wonderful, sound is great. The place is huge and I've yet to sit in a seat with a bad view; I don't think there are many. Bathrooms are a plenty. Aesthetics are superb. More wine, please! Hallelujah! read more

Last week Trish and I experienced the FINEST in Illinois cheese. I know, people will tell you Wisconson is the state to go to for cheese but let me tell you, the super soft, syrupy yet stinky cheese that was made in the Windy City in the seventies and eighties will rival the softest and smelliest that Europe has to offer. Thankfully the evening was buffered by the fine selecton of liquor offered at the Benaroya Hall lobby bar. Content of the evening aside, the acoustics in this place are awesome. We have seen a number of concerts here. From Classical Symphonies to Jazz to Rock, all have sounded amazing, although some nauseatingly so. Thankfully for those, as mentioned above, they have a pretty good selection of liquor to dull the pain. The only, minor, nock on this beautiful hall is the seats could be a little more comfortable. Other than that, I love going to concerts at Benaroya Hall. read more

Honestly wasn't impressed. The restaurant's were all closed and we purposely didn't eat so we could eat prior to the show. The website states that the restaurants are open 75 minutes prior to the show. well we decided to just eat dinner afterwards, not that we had a choice. they had snacks and stuff but I'm not spending three to four dollars on a cookie and I'm certainly not spending $7 on one beer. Which you cant even bring into the auditorium which makes no sense at all . tickets are overpriced and parking is $14. Won't come back. read more

Sophisticated and Modern My husband recently surprised me with tickets to Handel's Messiah. It was emotionally moving as it was absolutely so beautiful that tears were streaming down my face 30 seconds into the performance. The building, the acoustics, the friendly ushers as well as the variety of beverages to enjoy before and during the intermission are all so lovely. I look forward to taking my Mom here in the future to enjoy a performance - perhaps by Beethoven or I'll happily enjoy Handel's Messiah again. My husband got us tickets within 10 rows of the stage and I felt i was sitting in one of the best seats, as I was center and not too far and not too close to the stage. i encourage everyone to take in a performance here - it is such a lovely experience all around - yes, be prepared to see many pretentious and snooty people, but that is the only negative aspect of this beautiful venue. read more

No matter why type of show I come for, every seat in the house is great for their acoustics. Only change I'd make, if the seat was a bit more comfortable. read more

WOW. What a beautiful and impressive concert hall. It's massive, yet comfortable at the same time. The acoustics are perfect and the staff is friendly and helpful. There's plenty of well-maintained bathrooms and dining options available as well. Can't wait to come back for another concert. read more

Came here to see Debussy's La Mer last weekend. It was a beautiful building and the music sounded great. Loved the organ in the background. Two dollars for a soda is a bit ridiculous, but other than that.... Rock! read more

I recently signed up for the Seattle Symphony's young patrons group, "Wolfgang." Three shows a year with post-concert appetizers and drinks at restaurants in the area. Last night was my first show (Gershwin) with reception at Boka, and I absolutely loved it. I'm so happy I decided to purchase a membership! Benaroya is such an awe inspiring venue, and there is not a bad seat in the house ( I know this because we had to switch seats last night - twice!). The acoustics are unbelievable and it's just a real treat to hear any manner of live music here. Oh! And if you can, try to come a little early because they sometimes have pre-concert guest lectureres that can be pretty entertaining. P.S. I know it's Seattle...but let's leave the jeans and Hawaiian shirts at home :) read more

Lovely venue in the heart of downtown Seattle. They host so many fantastic functions and entertainment. I'm quite fond of the Seattle Gay Mens Choir. read more

It's OK. I've been to all of the venues, and the acoustics are very nice. Am I the only person who thinks that the Chihuly chandeliers look like giant hairballs, coughed up by a mammoth kitteh? read more

I came here for the Zelda concert and I have to say, I really liked this concert hall. It was really clean and they have a coat check section for people which is convenient. Also, they have a Chihuly glass sculpture in there which looked really pretty at night. However, I will say that the people working here were okay - it's hit or miss with some of the people and not everybody was super friendly, but they got the job done. Because I'm a poor grad student, I bought the cheapest ticket and ended up sitting in the highest tier in the last row. I can't say that the acoustics were amazing because of where I was sitting, but I did have a really good view. I would love to come back here to see another concert. I'm sure the acoustics would have been way better if I sat farther up in the front or in the middle. read more

Wonderful acoustics in both halls, comfortable seats for those long evenings of Bruckner, Mahler and Brahms, and striking beauty in the simplicity of the wood paneling in the main auditorium. There is not a bad seat in the house either! If you have not been to this Seattle gem, make a point to attend a symphony concert or acoustic event and enjoy the live, crystal clear sounds. read more

What a lovely facility, so much goodness here. Clean, well managed, and centrally located, this is one place in Seattle I don't mind visiting. The ushers are so polite and accommodating. Parking is easy. But the sound, oh the amazing sound, there are very few bad seats at this venue. I went to a free concert with the Seattle Wind Symphony, got to hear some vintage instruments like a sarrusophone. Parking was pricey at $6 but very convenient. We didn't have tickets to this free event so an usher pulled two out of her pocket and stubbed them for us. We could sit anywhere in the concert hall. What an amazing experience. read more

We attended an interview with an author. beautiful building, easy to get in and out. Parking was reasonable. Beautiful interior. Can not wait to return for a concert. read more

My first experience at Benaroya Hall was in 2014, and it was such a treat. The Seattle Symphony played soundtracks of Pixar movies (with the accompanying videos screened on a projector), and it was a delightful musical experience. One reason was I'd only ever seen traditional symphonic concerts (Mozart and Bach) before, and this was a refreshingly modern take on what a symphony can do. However, the other reason was because I'd never before had such a good concert hall experience--fantastic seats at a fantastic price for a fantastic show! Needless to say, I have been back here time and again. Yep, you can sit in the front row of the second tier balcony for about $30 and get an amazing front-on view of the stage. If you buy your seats early enough, you can literally be dead center. I have done this twice, and it is just such a great experience without the need to drop a pile of money. The quality of everything in the hall is also really top notch. Seats are always well-maintained and comfortable, there are no stains on the carpets anywhere, and the staff is always willing to help you find your seat (they'll help you be where you need to be even if you end up in the wrong section). The acoustics are also excellent--you definitely aren't missing out on sound quality if you don't spring for the priciest seats. There are also multiple bars in the lobby that serve up drinks before the show and during the intermission, if you're in the mood to imbibe. If you're curious and have been meaning check out the Seattle Symphony, perhaps knowing that their home is this gorgeous building will help spur you on! read more

Benaroya Hall is an amazing venue that is home to the Seattle Symphony and hosts a number of other amazing groups. It's central location is easy for those who want to drive, catch the ferry, catch the bus, or simply walk (although, if you are going the symphony, why catch the bus?). Anyway, the soaring lobby isn't fancy. However on a clear afternoon as the sun is setting over Elliot Bay, the view is just down right spectacular! The acoustics in the auditorium are simply amazing and I have yet to find a bad seat in the house. Even in the nosebleed section. Parking is available in the basement (although, get their early as it fills up quick!). read more

If you people buy tickets ahead of time and are sick on the day of, STAY YOUR GERMY COUGHING BUTTS HOME! I tried to go and enjoy a Christmas orchestra last night with a friend and this place is crammed packed with lots of people, and it is the last week in November and I get that it's sick season. A BIG fat old guy sitting right behind me was coughing his head off all over the back of our neck, I swear. Workers also running around coughing as well as other people. I hope I'll be fine. Just stay your selfish sick selves home. You don't go out and give others the flu just because you yourself is mad you're sick. Could put someone's life at risk now days. Say you give me your flu and I survive it, but have to go see a doctor and meanwhile by going out to pick up a prescription, I give my germs to your mom or child and they end up the one who DIES. Stay home when you're sick, people!!! Don't worry about the loss of a $20.00 ticket. Love and respect for all others. You sorry SELFISH THOUGHTLESS A********sssses!!! JERKS and learn to cough and sneeze in your arm in public with your head turned. When I see you cough or sneeze in your hand, it makes me wanna slug you in your face. Basically telling everyone else to Efff off! Cough in your hands, go touch a zillion things right after. Gross!!! Just stay home when sick! Morons We walked out after 20 mins. read more

The Hall is gorgeous, really 5/5 there-- but the symphony was a snooze-fest. (And I grew up playing the violin, so this is saying a lot) If I go back again, I will bring a good book to read. Sorry guys perhaps my musical tastes have changed? read more

Besides using the lobby once in college as a shelter from the rain, I had never actually been to Benaroya Hall. That changed the other night when DeVotchKa came to town to perform with the Seattle Symphony. What a beautiful venue! None of us in our party of 6 had ever been and we all marveled at the hall, both inside and out. This will sound incredibly silly, because places like Benaroya are constructed to have the best acoustics and offer the best ambiance, but I am always still in awe when I get to experience it firsthand. How perfect of a place for a band as amazing as DeVotchKa -and- the Seattle Symphony to play together. It definitely made me want to look into tickets for future endeavors involving the Symphony. read more