Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

 

Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is located on the Avenue of the Arts and is home to the city’s world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra—one of the top five orchestras in the world.  The Center is comprised of two main venues: Verizon Hall, which seats 2,500, and the Perelman Theater, which seats 650. In addition, a rooftop garden and several smaller performance rooms are also located on-site. 

The nearly- 500,000 square feet Kimmel Center opened before it was completed in 2001 and was designed by architect Rafael Vinõly. A lawsuit was filed against Vinõly in 2005 by the Center due to cost discrepancies and construction delays. The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed sum in 2006. 

In addition to the Philadelphia Orchestra, Kimmel Center hosts hundreds of musical acts each year as well as many plays and live shows, some of which are free. The Broadway Series is also hosted at the Kimmel. For a complete listing of events at the Kimmel Center of the Performing Arts, click here. 

In addition to the performing areas and rooftop garden, the Kimmel Center is also home to Commonwealth Plaza, a state-of-the-art civic space. 

Kimmel Center’s box office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Tickets are available by phone as well by calling (215) 893-1999.Tickets to upcoming shows can also be purchased online and printed at home by clicking here. Gift certificates can also be purchased online. For a virtual tour of Kimmel Center, click here.

 

- by LeeAnn Mullen, Philadelphia Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

LeeAnn Mullen

LeeAnn Mullen is a freelance journalist from Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism is currently furthering her education by studying for an additional degree in information systems management. Mullen has written for several Cleveland-area newspapers, online publications and dozens of private clients. Her topics of specialty include health, technology and travel.