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Benaroya Hall
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Performing Arts Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Performing Arts, Music Venues [Edit]
200 University StSeattle, WA 98101
Neighborhood: Downtown
(206) 215-4700
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
65 reviews for Benaroya Hall
65 reviews in English
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Review from Peter K.
1/19/2012
Lets start the review with the outside of the building. It is a very standard in its look, however it does have architectural features that make the building pop.
The inside is very warm and welcoming. Seating is comfortable. The acoustics are amazing and you hear the rich tones of the concerts we have had the pleasure to go to. -
Review from Kristine H.
Seattle, WA
Like another Yelper mentioned, I wanted some place special to garner review #400. As I rifled through my ever-growing drafts, I immediately knew what would capture that spot...
If you've never attended a performance at Benaroya Hall, you're missing out. Sprawling an entire city block, the hall is actually two performance spaces. The larger of the two auditoriums is the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium. It seats 2,500 throughout the floor and three tier balconies. It's a simply appointed hall with blond upholstered seating juxtaposed against the darker wood touches throughout. Sight lines are excellent from the orchestra all the way to the uppermost box seats which face the stage for maximum viewing.
I spoke with one of the docents who explained how each wood panel in the main hall was a different size to resonate with different sounds during performances. The architects took great pains to work with the acoustics of the space. When you are nestled in your seat, you won't hear buses outside or people honking angrily during rush hour. The hall was built as a box within a box, the inner of which rests wholly on rubber pads to further dampen sound. The overall result is a hall that is versatile and beautifully suited to every single performance I've seen here. Take a look at my uploaded photographs, they run the gamut.
I haven't forgotten the smaller of the two spaces! The Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall seats 540 comfortably and beautifully. Smaller acts will play this hall or solo artists. I've seen Turkish musicians here, Kabuki theatre and on more than one occasion, The American String Project.
Benaroya Hall is one of my favourite places in Seattle. The seats are comfortable with good leg room. The bathrooms are plentiful and kept well. The green-jacketed docents have always been friendly and quick with the lozenge if you need to quiet a persistent cough. One note about the facility: parking does sell out for events here so if you prefer to park on-site, go ahead and pre-purchase the parking with your tickets. Otherwise you can use the valet at The Triple Door or find garage parking a block or two away. Take heed though on the closure times of other garages, you might end up spending $35.00 because you didn't get to your vehicle before midnight.
This is another venue that I advocate an immediate placement on their e-mail list. You can get special deals on tickets and advance notice when something is booked at the Hall. -
Review from Chelsea J.
Seattle, WA
4/4/2011
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!Listed in: Downtown and Belltown
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Review from Maria N.
6/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
Fantastic music hall in the heart of downtown Seattle. I've been here dozens of times, and have sat in almost every section. If you're attending a Symphony performance, there's really not a bad seat in the house. The acoustics are incredible. I attended a Symphony rehearsal when I was in high school and was astounded that I was able to hear the side-conversations, even the whispers, of the musicians from row 30 in the audience. That's really good engineering.
The Symphony itself is one of the best in the nation and attracts guest artists from all over the world. If you're interested in music history, most shows also have a pre-concert lecture on some of the feature pieces. The lecture, along with the program notes offer great background to the performance so you can appreciate the experience all the better.
Another bonus is that they have TONS of restrooms. No more waiting in a line of 20 ladies during the intermission. Other venues could learn a thing or two--I'm looking at you 5th Avenue! -
Review from Jennifer B.
Seattle, WA
6/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Central location, nice facility, and 52 women's bathroom stalls!
My coworker use to volunteer there and told me they doubled the women's bathrooms. WTG! Went there for graduation and the acoustics for those on stage was bad and echoing. I was wondering if the musicians have as hard of a time hearing things as we did. Nice facility and also came here for the SIFF VIP movie premiere last year. Lots of space and good sound for those sitting in the audience. -
Review from Julia B.
Bainbridge Island, WA
7/26/2011
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. -
Review from Clover A.
2/13/2011 2 Check-ins Here
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. -
Review from Thy R.
1/20/2011
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! -
Review from Andy A.
Bellevue, WA
9/29/2011
I saw Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds and it was amazing! The sound is really nice too.
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Review from Janis H.
Kirkland, WA
3/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
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? -
Review from Jacquie P.
Seattle, WA
10/8/2010 3 Check-ins Here
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 :)Listed in: Theatre, Theaters, and Music
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Review from Michelle F.
Seattle, WA
2/16/2011
Love it. I've sat in many different seats/locations, and the acoustics are simply wonderful. I do prefer them on the orchestral floor, myself, though I haven't sat in any of the "box" seats that wrap around the sides. I think I will try those next.
Great performance choices. I always leave satisfied. -
Review from Andrew L.
12/25/2010
Dress up, I mean you, yes, you the reader, because if you dare think about going to this wonderful, joyous beautiful, classy, gorgeous, lovely, great sounding, perfectly built masterpiece, then you need to be dressed up. There is none better on the west coast, and I've been to many of recital halls.
Walking in, you are greeted by the Grand Lobby, the immense glowing structure, which is the jewel of the emerald city. On a show night, you will find wine and cookies scattered around. Look up, and become hypnotized; and if you look down... carpet. The lights blink, bells ring, and looking around, people start to head in, the gentle indication that you should find the Taper Auditorium. This auditorium is only the finest of all places to listen to music. It's a classy place; where anywhere you sit, you can not only hear the sound, but feel the emotion of the notes and resonance fill your soul.
Close your eyes and imagine your favourite classical piece, maybe Mozart, Bach, Beethoven or Handel; imagine that artist playing just 30 feet in-front of you. Feel the sound, and vibrancy of the instrument, and warmth of your heart when you were younger.
That's what it feels like to be at Benaroya Hall. If you have a chance to come, make it happen. -
Review from Aimee M.
11/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
I really don't see a bad seat in the house. We purchased the cheapest tickets and were seated right up front.
Awesome experience.
Only drawback was the people who showed up in jeans and tennis shoes.....really?? -
Review from Liz M.
6/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
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. -
Review from Buddy G.
Seattle, WA
11/8/2011
Really unimpressed by the acoustics. The sound feels muddled. Instrumentation has difficulty projecting beyond the stage. One feels separated out as opposed to immersed in the performance. I have only sat on the first floor so I do not know how much better the projection is on the balcony levels. The acoustics here are still better than anyplace else in Seattle and the interior is stunning.
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Review from Matt R.
Edmonds, WA
4/10/2008 ROTD 5/30/2008
$10-12 Alcohol. $5 Pop. $3.50 Bottled Water. You know why this place gets 5 stars? Because I'm not enough of a raving lunatic to pay the aforementioned prices for any of the above beverages.
I saw a singer-songwriter-folk singer/harpist here who will remain nameless because people might claim I am trying to gain hipster street cred (hipsters have street cred, don't they?). She performed with an orchestra. I sat in the balcony. It was fantastic. The acoustics were perfect and the orchestra and the harp blended together to make some truly phenomenal music.
In front of me were a couple of people who were - oh, how do I put this politely? - tripping their fuckin' balls off. I talked to one of them right before intermission ended and he said when she was playing the harp it was like rays or beams were coming up to him.
I, being the curious type, asked him, "Do you mean like some kind of energy beam or more like a death ray?"
His eyes widened and he didn't move for an hour or so after that. He was still sitting in his seat when I left. I either killed him, put him in a coma or sent him on the trip of his life. I hope it was the last one.Listed in: Proof of My Awesomeness, Funny Reviews
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Review from elsa f.
San Antonio, TX
1/12/2009
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.Listed in: Fondness for Seattle
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Review from Tiffany S.
Seattle, WA
1/26/2008
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! -
Review from Rebecca L.
Bellevue, WA
4/25/2008
rest and relaxation....
Say you're having a horrid week. There's a creepy guy at work that is really creeping you out, you had an accounting test that you didn't really study for, and you are suppose to translate documents into Korean even though you only have a rudimentary understanding of the language.... ok, so this might not have been your week, but it was mine. To say that I was stressed, is an understatement. So i went online purchased some tickets to the symphony (FOR ONLY 20 BUCKS!! WTF!!! WHY IS THIS SO CHEAP!!!) put on my pretty pretty dress, got dolled up and headed to Benaroya. They were playing mozart.... i got ready really really really fast. (i mean it's mozart, i didn't want to be late!)
They opened with the Oveture from Don Giovanni and let me tell you, my body just melted. Somehow the music conveyed all that I was going through the past week, and in it, i found empathy. The cacophony of music was glorious and it was great to shut down all but one of my senses and be consumed by such beautiful music. In a life where things are so hectic and you're running 100mph, it's great to do something that slows you down and really really really relaxes you. It was like being in your mother's embrace. The sadness just disappears because you know you're safe.
As for the orchestra and maestro, they were superb. It's wonderful seeing individuals love their jobs and they really did. You can hear their love as each note is played with such tenderness and
I also think that there is not a single bad seat in the house. Since symphonies aren't reliant on visuals, you can't go wrong.
So go here, relax... unwind... let tenderness envelop you and take you to your happy place. :) -
Review from Carly L.
Updated - 2/19/2009
David motherfucking Byrne.
amazing.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/13/2008
Carly LOVES her some symphony and loves to go to Benaroya. I have been here a few times, and every… Read more »
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Review from Stephen J.
Seattle, WA
3/13/2007
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. -
Review from Sarah B.
Seattle, WA
1/30/2008
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. -
Review from Jentry M.
Tucson, AZ
9/13/2010
I have been to Benaroya Hall for occasions of diversity spanning from the metropolitian orchestra playing Christmas Music for the annual Microsoft Ball to Gabe and Tycho of Penny Arcade unfolding the curtain to Rick Ross's Hustlin, to Jonathan Coulton singing Code Monkey to 6000 Open Glowing Gameboy DS's, to Weddings of friends old and dear.
This amazingly well designed and maintained space is a gift to the diverse and eclectic Seattle Community and is managed in a way that makes it open to that community in a sense that many other Metropolitan areas could learn a thing or two about. -
Review from Tony G.
4/18/2007
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! -
Review from Nina N.
9/28/2008
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 -
Review from Alice C.
11/13/2008
Its georgeous, the symphony the masses of old, crusty white people in their danskos and polar fleece, and the BLOODY ADORABLE senior ticket ripper people make it totally a good night. Did I mention how much I like the seniors who are ushers and take your tickets, and how much they made me just want to hug them? Because they were just... so... omfg! But why the 3 star review?
The food here BLOWS CHUCKS! Seriously, since when is 13 smackers for a plate of cold, overcooked and under-seasoned carbohydrates worth, well... 13 dollars? Has this little pre-made-to-service-the-opera-crowd unaware of a thing called steam tables? What about heat lamps? Or not overcooking chicken? My food was 15 bucks for stuff so cold Cruella DeVille would have warmed it up. And the cashier/ringer lady raised hell when I went back to question her about why the hell she charged me 10 dollars for quiche I never ordered.
10 bucks for quiche? I wouldnt pay that much even if the Dalai Llama had made is with his own sweat and tears. Maybe, I would, actually, but you get the point. -
Review from Tom B.
2/20/2009 1 Check-in Here
One of the most exceptional symphonic concert halls on the planet, at least according to the experts--speaking in terms of the acoustics. It's nice inside, feels modern and grand without being stuffy or off-putting. You can see and hear perfectly from virtually every seat in the house. The staff is efficient and professional. You can park. You can eat very well nearby.
They really went out of their way to put this place together, and they did an amazing, amazing job. I've seen classical, jazz, rock, and comedy performances here, always comfortable, always enjoyable. The sound really stands up and beats its chest here, too--it really is amazing to hear lots of acoustic instruments totally dominate such a large space.
And that pipe organ is something I need to hear someday. It looks too cool. -
Review from James E.
1/26/2010
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. -
Review from Shana R.
Seattle, WA
2/21/2009
Benaroya is a great venue, and hosts really diverse performances in addition to the excellent Seattle Symphony. It's beautiful, centrally located, and I'm told by people who know things that the acoustics are really, really good and there are no bad seats in the house. I guess in the interest of full disclosure I should note that I work here as an usher. But to my mind that is worth at least 3/4 of a star in these troubled economic times.
Thank you for employing me, Benaroya Hall. -
Review from Ian B.
11/20/2010
I saw an amazing show here last night with Brandi Carlile and the Seattle Symphony. The acoustics were pretty amazing, and Brandi will be releasing a live album from a couple of recent shows at Benaroya. Sound carries well here, and the balcony set up is better for viewing than some of the older theaters around town. If you're going for acoustics and comfort, Benaroya and Paramount are at the top of the list. If you want to go to a rustic place, other theaters may have more history...
Listed in: Gems of the Northwest... (…, Concerts, theatres, and…
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Review from Ian S.
9/22/2009
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. -
Review from Wendy H.
1/25/2007 3 photos
As a classical music novice, i cannot compare this to famous venues or comment on the Symphony Orchestra's skill levels. I can comment on the value-for-money for a novice, interested in learning with friends.
At the beginning of the Symphony season a group of friends were getting together to buy a set of seats using a 'series ticket' (buy tickets to several concerts get a mjor discount) to the symphony and asked if I wanted to join them. What a great way to learn, listen then discuss with friends more knowledgeable than myself. For my pocket, symphony tickets are expensive, buying a series makes the music accessible. We bought a pack of 9 tickets and each concert works out at about $15. If someone cannot make a specific night they offer the ticket to the others, who then find a companion to join us on that night. It all balances out, I wont attend 9 concerts, but the seat will get used and each evening is a night out with friends.
Even if you don't get 'moved' by the music, watching the audience and the Orchestra can be excellent fun. The soloist who's cell-phone rang on stage. The Violinist who looks like a member of ZZ-top, I wonder what he does in his spare time? The young adults, the elegant gentlemen and ladies in full-lenght dresses, the architecture... ..the anime tentacle-like glass chandelier...
I recommend using this luxury, Seattle residents are lucky to have access to a Symphony....Listed in: Creative people play here...
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Review from Dave S.
3/31/2011 8 Check-ins Here
Great place to hear a concert and the Symphony was fabulous. I really like the tiered box seating. We sat in the orchestra section this time but will try to other areas as well. Parking is expensive but you can keep your car there until about 10pm and walk around downtown so that turns out to be OK.
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Review from Tarewyn M.
Seattle, WA
4/19/2007
Lovely stylized venue, good acoustics for music ( not so good for voice or spoken word events.) I wish the seats had more leg room.
Be sure and ask an usher if they know where the flamingoes are. Really. -
Review from RowerRob C.
Seattle, WA
1/31/2008 1 Check-in Here
Culture!
I like the setup.
Order your intermission drinks before the show starts. -
Review from Michelle U.
Seattle, WA
7/29/2008
I graduated from high school at Benaroya Hall, and always thought it was impressive in size and scale, but after attending one of my best friend's wedding receptions here, Benaroya leapt to a new level in my book. In all of it's wedding decorated glory, this hall was simply, wonderfully, and absolutely GORGEOUS.
First of all - the windows are sky high, with light flooding in at all angles. One would think this wouldn't be the ideal venue for a wedding reception, well let me enlighten you. The head table paralleled the steps entering into the symphony hall, and cocktail hour was held on the balcony wrapping around the perimeter above.
When the bride and groom made their first entrance, they entered on the top most balcony, giving them a supreme bird's eye view to smile and take a visual inventory of their guests.
With dinner we migrated downstairs where two buffet tables lined the far walls, making for zero crowds or waiting in line - always awesome! Dancing commenced under the twinkling lights and sweeping white banners on a dance floor brought in for the occasion.
The acoustics were excellent (as should be expected) and we danced the night away to Stevie Wonder & company...All in all a spectacular, impressive venue for a wedding - one I'll never forget! -
Review from Chad Y.
4/8/2009
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!). -
Review from clint w.
5/24/2009
The place is simply gorgeous inside. Even though I've been here several times, I always seem to plop my lil self down in a seat and crane my head around looking at everything. It's like I regress to a small, inquisitive child that can sit and stare at some small detail for hours, trying to absorb, understand and appreciate.
We came here for a concert and had seats in the center section, down in front. I know parking gets congested in the underground parking area, so we opted to park a couple blocks away. It was a great way to stretch our legs after the show, too.
The sound was great, although the main act was a little too loud for my tastes.
The entry way was large enough that we weren't bumping into everyone as we made our way to our seats. The walk to our seats made for some good people watching, too. All in all, it's a built for a special night out on the town. -
Review from Aaron M.
Updated - 12/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have been to Benaroya Hall numerous times for various things, most recently for the National Geographic Lecture Series. It is awesome they do this in Seattle and that I can attend. It makes Benaroya Hall all the better for hosting it.
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12/2/2007
The space is great I have loved every concert I have been too here. The perfect venue for a… Read more »
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