Our Building

Orchestra Hall, one of Minnesota’s cultural and architectural touchstones, opened in 1974 as the home of the Minnesota Orchestra, and has since drawn upwards of 10 million people to its concerts. Designed by architect Hugh Hardy, the venue is known for its modernist design.

A Superb Acoustic Experience

Located on the recently revitalized Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, Orchestra Hall is also renowned for its acoustics, which were originally designed by Cyril M. Harris. Each feature was planned to enhance the warmth and richness of sound in the space, providing a superb aural experience. The Hall’s signature architectural features include 114 large cubes that form a symmetrical “falling rock” pattern on the auditorium’s ceiling and the stage’s back wall, dispersing sound throughout the auditorium.

Black and white photo of Orchestra Hall in 1974 — The first concert at Orchestra Hall took place in October 1974. The conductor was Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, who led the effort to construct Orchestra Hall while in the role of Music Director from 1960 to 1979.

Yo Yo Ma performing at Orchestra Hall in 1984 — Throughout the past 47 years, many famous guests have appeared on the Orchestra Hall stage, ranging from composer-conductor Aaron Copland to poet and writer Maya Angelou to cellist Yo-Yo Ma, shown here in 1984.

Empty chairs on stage at Orchestra Hall — Orchestra Hall’s auditorium is famous for the 114 cubes on its ceiling and walls, which help project even the softest sounds throughout the performance space. A full house seats 2,085 people on the main floor and in three balconies.

Patrons mingling outside during summer — Each July and August, audiences flock to the Minnesota Orchestra’s Summer at Orchestra Hall series. Vendors and pre-concert activities are centered around the Hall’s Target Atrium as well as the adjacent Peavey Plaza.

Audience watching a film at Orchestra Hall — In a typical year, more than 20,000 audience members enjoy the Movies & Music series in which favorite films are shown onscreen as their soundtracks are performed live.

People enjoying the outdoors during summer on Peavy Plaza — Orchestra Hall’s next-door neighbor is Peavey Plaza, which was revitalized in 2019 to allow all visitors to access its many features, including a large shallow water pool.

Audience members mingling before a performance — Gathering spaces for audiences expanded greatly when Orchestra Hall was renovated in 2013. A popular new space is a mezzanine named after the late longtime Orchestra supporter N. Bud Grossman.

Crowd of people inside Orchestra Hall before a performance — Before concerts and during intermission, audiences gather in the main lobby to enjoy activities and installations ranging from art exhibits to performances by local choirs, actors and dancers.

Audience members enjoying a concert — Orchestra Hall is the 2020 “Best Venue for Concert or Shows” in the U.S. and Canada, according to the Unique Venues awards program.

A Major Renovation

A major renovation of Orchestra Hall, designed by Toronto-based KPMB Architects and built by Minneapolis-based Mortenson, was completed in 2014.

Improvements for Musicians and Audiences

The new and upgraded spaces include greatly expanded public gathering spaces, updated backstage facilities for musicians, a refreshed auditorium that maintains the original acoustics for orchestral performances, improved access for people with disabilities, an improved sound system for amplified performances, new and more comfortable seating, and other enhancements to improve the concert-going experience.

Any performing-arts organization exists to serve the magic that happens in the hall. But what happens in the lobby can be just as important...The Minnesota Orchestra proved this with the recent renewal of its Orchestra Hall...[with] civic spaces that have...created valuable community outreach.”

Alex Bozikovic, Architectural Record

A Greener Orchestra Hall

In 2019, Orchestra Hall became the first performing arts center in the U.S. to be awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) v4 O+M Silver certification, attesting that the building is greener, cleaner and more energy-efficient than before.

Learn More

Rent Our Building

Orchestra Hall provides a stunning backdrop for your next corporate conference, seminar, performance or gathering. No matter the size or style of your event, Orchestra Hall has the perfect space for you.

Learn more

Update browser for a secure Minnesota Orchestra experience

A Superb Acoustic Experience

A Major Renovation

Improvements for Musicians and Audiences

A Greener Orchestra Hall

Rent Our Building

Also in This Section

Our Story

Our People

Disrupting Systemic Racism

Careers & Auditions

Contact Us