Views from inside the Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, November 2021
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Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

4.8
·4k reviews·Philadelphia, United States

A stunning glass and steel architectural marvel hosting the Philadelphia Orchestra, Broadway tours, ballet, opera, and student performances.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Best for live performances

CrowdHigh
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Views from inside the Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center, November 2021

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Best Time

Evenings

Best for live performances

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning glass and steel architectural marvel hosting the Philadelphia Orchestra, Broadway tours, ballet, opera, and student performances.

4.8
(4k reviews)

"This venue was beautiful and large. I imagine incredible views from wherever you sit!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Dinner in Advance

Leo restaurant inside the Kimmel Center offers pre-show dining. Book your table early, especially on performance nights!

🎟️ Check for Free Events

Look out for free concerts, like the All City High School Music Festival, offering incredible talent without a ticket!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 4,439 reviews

Type

Performing Arts Theater

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Philadelphia Orchestra Performances

Philadelphia Orchestra Performances

Verizon Hall

Experience world-class symphonic music in a stunning acoustic hall. A must-see for classical music lovers.

Broadway Touring Productions

Broadway Touring Productions

Various Theatres

Catch acclaimed Broadway shows like 'The Wiz' and 'Come From Away' in this vibrant performing arts hub.

Diverse Dance Performances

Diverse Dance Performances

Various Theatres

From classical ballet to contemporary pieces, witness incredible talent from companies like The Legendary Dance Company.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Popular Shows

The Kimmel Center hosts a variety of performances, from Broadway tours to the Philadelphia Orchestra. For high-demand shows, especially musicals like 'Come From Away', booking tickets well in advance is crucial to secure good seats and avoid disappointment. Check the official website for schedules and ticketing information.

Consider Your Seating Choice

While the Kimmel Center offers excellent acoustics throughout, seating location can impact your experience. Some Reddit users discuss the differences between the Parquet, Balcony, and Family Circle sections, noting price variations and potential views. Researching the seating chart for your specific performance is recommended.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Best for live performances
Crowd
High
When
Matinee performances
Why
Great for families & daytime
Crowd
Medium
When
Free student concerts
Why
Affordable and inspiring
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#comefromaway #comefromawaymusical #broadway #theatre #theater #philly #philadelphia #ensembleartsphilly #kimmelcenter #kimmelculturalcampus
@theatrekates
71.1K likes • 1.1M views

🎯 Book Dinner in Advance

Leo restaurant inside the Kimmel Center offers pre-show dining. Book your table early, especially on performance nights! Instagram

🎟️ Check for Free Events

Look out for free concerts, like the All City High School Music Festival, offering incredible talent without a ticket! Instagram

An amazing concert hall, part of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Home to the Philadelphia Orchestra, it was formerly named Verizon Hall and opened in 2001. This place is a must-visit on a trip to Philly! At the time I saw a concert featuring a world premiere of a bassoon concerto by Clarice Assad and the second symphony by Rachmaninoff. #orchestra #travelling #musici...
thesoundofjay
145 likes • 4.2K views
It’s official, Leo is now open for dinner inside the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts! Enjoy a meal with friends and family before the array of shows @ensembleartsphilly @philorch 🎼🍽️ Open Wednesday through Sunday from 5-11pm!
leo.restaurantphl
109 likes • 8.4K views

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

Some visitors note the venue has very steep stairs, so comfortable footwear is a good idea. Reddit

🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky

Public transit is convenient, but parking might require some planning. Consider ride-sharing or public transport. Reddit

All City High School Music Festival tonight, 7PM, Marian Anderson Hall at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Free Concert- no tickets needed! Here’s a sneak peek of the finale with more than 425 student musicians!!! Don’t miss it live along with Concert Band, Choir, and Orchestra. @philorch @ensembleartsphilly
mrmachos
91 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Dinner in Advance

Leo restaurant inside the Kimmel Center offers pre-show dining. Book your table early, especially on performance nights! Instagram

🎟️ Check for Free Events

Look out for free concerts, like the All City High School Music Festival, offering incredible talent without a ticket! Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

Some visitors note the venue has very steep stairs, so comfortable footwear is a good idea. Reddit

🚗 Parking Can Be Tricky

Public transit is convenient, but parking might require some planning. Consider ride-sharing or public transport. Reddit

🎶 Amazing Acoustics

You can expect good sound quality from almost any seat in the house, making for an immersive experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Kimmel Center for its stunning architecture, excellent acoustics, and the high quality of its diverse performances, from Broadway shows to the Philadelphia Orchestra. While tickets can be expensive and parking challenging, the overall experience is often described as magical and memorable, with attentive staff enhancing the visit.

"We recently saw the Wiz and it was one of the best shows I have seen! This venue was beautiful and large. I imagine incredible views from wherever you sit! Every performer had incredible voices with amazing range! The costumes were vibrant and the set was perfect! The dancing and breath control while singing was amazing! The crowd was also amazing and animated! The show was exciting! It was a gift from our daughter! We will never forget it! We came down from Michigan!"

Rene Jordan Threats

"Beautiful building. Very steep stairs. Expensive tickets and the show was interrupted by audience talking then a verbal altercation and fight which started over people arriving 40 mins into the show and others being in their seats. Unfortunately very stereotypical Philadelphia. My kid was crying he felt unsafe and wanted to go and other people did leave but I whispered to him, the people were being removed and we were safer in our seats then going to the lobby or parking lot at that point. Felt bad for the ushers, need security not just at the door. Also felt badly for the actors. Good show otherwise."

Laura Gould

"Kimmel Center never fails!! Perfect hospitality and guest services. Even better was the performance!! We we're there to see The Legendary Dance Company's show entitled" GHETTO". The talented dancers and their gifted coach and Legendary's owner Shana are simply brilliant. Wonderful Saturday night in the city.. Bravo Kiley & Friends."

Jazmin Watson -Aggie

What People Like

Beautiful venue architecture
Exceptional acoustics
High-quality performances

What People Dislike

Expensive tickets
Tricky parking
Steep stairs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Kimmel Center is easily accessible by public transit in Philadelphia. Many SEPTA bus routes and subway lines stop nearby. Parking is available in nearby garages, but can be tricky and expensive. Ride-sharing services are also a convenient option. Reddit

Yes, there are several parking garages near the Kimmel Center. However, parking can be challenging and costly, especially on show nights. It's advisable to research parking options in advance or consider public transportation. Reddit

Absolutely! The Kimmel Center is well-served by Philadelphia's public transit system, SEPTA. Numerous bus routes and subway lines stop within walking distance, making it a convenient option. Reddit

To avoid stress, consider arriving at least 30 minutes before your show starts. This allows time for parking, security checks, and finding your seats. Public transit or ride-sharing can often be more straightforward than driving and parking. Reddit

The Kimmel Center is committed to accessibility. They offer accessible seating, elevators, and other accommodations. It's recommended to contact the box office in advance to discuss specific needs. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can be purchased directly from the Kimmel Center's official website (kimmelcenter.org), by calling the box office, or in person at the Kimmel Center box office. Be wary of third-party resellers. TikTok

Ticket prices vary widely depending on the performance, seating location, and demand. Broadway shows and major orchestral concerts tend to be more expensive. Some events, like student concerts, may be free. Reddit

For popular shows, it's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance. While some tickets might be available on the day of the show, they may be limited or in less desirable locations. TikTok

The Kimmel Center's policy typically allows for exchanges or refunds under specific circumstances, often with advance notice. It's best to check the terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the box office directly for details. Reddit

Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups, depending on the performance. Keep an eye on the Kimmel Center's website or social media for any special offers or promotions. Instagram

🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience

The 'best' seats depend on your preference and the performance. For orchestral concerts in Verizon Hall, the center orchestra or front mezzanine offer excellent sound. For stage productions, consider seats with clear sightlines to the stage. Reddit users discuss options like Parquet row vs. Balcony. Reddit

There is no strict dress code. Most attendees dress in smart casual attire. For Broadway shows or orchestral concerts, people often dress up a bit more, while other performances might be more relaxed. Instagram

Yes, Leo restaurant is located inside the Kimmel Center and offers dinner before performances. There are also bars serving drinks and snacks. Instagram

The Kimmel Center hosts a wide array of performances, including Broadway musicals, the Philadelphia Orchestra, ballet, opera, contemporary dance, and student productions. TikTokInstagram+1

While the Kimmel Center strives for a safe environment, incidents can occur. Some reviews mention audience disruptions or altercations. The venue has ushers and security, but it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during performances to avoid disturbing the artists and audience. However, you can usually take photos in the lobby areas before or after the show. Always check the specific rules for your event. Instagram

The grand lobby with its impressive architecture and the exterior of the building are great for photos. During performances, focus on capturing the atmosphere and your fellow attendees (respectfully, of course). Instagram

Professional camera equipment, including tripods and large lenses, is typically not allowed inside the performance halls. Small, personal cameras or smartphones are usually permitted for non-performance use. Instagram

The Kimmel Center's official website and social media channels (Instagram, TikTok) often feature high-quality photos and videos of their performances and venue. TikTokInstagram

Popular hashtags include #KimmelCenter, #EnsembleArtsPhilly, #PhiladelphiaOrchestra, #PhillyTheater, and specific show hashtags like #ComeFromAway. TikTok

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