What’s New at Music Hall
In 2018, we returned to the beautifully restored Music Hall after an extensive $143 million renovation. From her polished marble floor to her twinkling chandelier—and every inch in between—Music Hall’s classic grandeur has been thoroughly restored and enhanced with thoughtful contemporary touches designed to make your opera-going experience extraordinary. Here are some key updates to look for.
Photos Exterior: Philip Groshong; Interior: Larrison Photography
Make your grand entrance
The Edyth B. Lindner Grand Foyer’s red slate and white marble floor, plaster rosettes, and coffered ceiling have been restored and refreshed, and new lighting has been added. Pick up a souvenir at the new and improved Bravo Shop, located in the former coatroom.
Gather in Style
A former carriageway has been reimagined as the new Taft Suite, an intimate room for meetings, dinners, and receptions. Historical art-carved wood panels, part of the screen from Music Hall’s original pipe organ, have been lovingly restored and are displayed on its walls.
Love at first site
On Music Hall’s façade, look for black bricks in the pattern of piano keys, diamonds, and four-leaf clovers. the black-brick detail was almost completely erased when a sandblaster was used to clean the exterior in the 1970s. The bricks have been re-stained to match architect Samuel Hannaford’s original vision.
Hit refresh
Concession areas have been relocated and expanded—order a custom cocktail or bite before the performance, and it will be waiting for you at intermission. If you’re running late or need to stop out during the show, the new P&G Founders Room off the main lobby offers a comfortable place to kick up your feet.
Corbett Tower transformed
On your way to the Gallery, peer into Corbett Tower and prepare to be amazed. The room’s drop ceiling has been removed, revealing 14 additional vertical feet and a covered ceiling with intricate stenciling, now carefully restored. Floor-to-ceiling windows, including three tracery “rose” windows, offer breathtaking views onto Washinton Park.
Introducing the Wilks
Ascend the North Hall grand staircase to reach the stunning new Wilks Studio, a flexible rehearsal and event space constructed from reclaimed, underused space above the scene and paint shop.
Shine on
Music Hall’s iconic chandelier now features brilliant LED bulbs. Its suspension mechanism has been upgraded to allow for easy lowering and raising. Also, each and every one of the hundreds of crystals was individually hand polished.
More restrooms, less waiting
Restroom capacity has increased by more than 60%, with new and expanded men’s , women’s, and family/unisex facilities.
Take your seat
Enter Springer Auditorium and find wider, cushiony seats with added legroom, ensuring comfort during even the longest of sings. (We’re looking at you, Herr Wagner.) Plus, many seating rows have been elevated to optimize views of the stage.