Charleston Municipal Auditorium Tickets

Charleston Municipal Auditorium, located in Charleston, West Virginia, is a historical auditorium built in 1939. It is a venue for concerts, performing arts, theatrical and musical shows, among other entertainment events held by state, local, international and national artists. Because of its regular and diverse spectrum of shows, the auditorium has made lasting and substantial contributions to the cultural heritage of Charleston. In addition, due to its remarkable seating capacity, it has made performing arts accessible to many that could not have afforded tickets to a smaller venue. It offers a variety of performances such as the Winter Jam; concerts by legendary artists like Brad Paisley and Keith Urban; and ballet staples like the Great Russian Nutcracker. Charleston Municipal Auditorium tickets make a sought-after treat for many in town owing to its wide spectrum of entertainment opportunities.

Since long, cultural events and activities have been an important part of Charleston life, with its organizations' growing demand for entertainment venues. By the 1920s, these organizations had grown rapidly and needed performance spaces, which eventually led to the construction of the Municipal Auditorium. These organizations included the famous Kanawha Players, the Chamber Music Society and the Charleston Community Music Association. At the time, Larry Silverstein of Community Music Association made efforts to get voters and to pass a bond referendum. This referendum, made possible a funding of five hundred thousand dollars from the city for the construction project.

Charleston Municipal Auditorium opened in November 1939, with a four-hour dedication ceremony in presence of five thousand people. The highlight of the event was Public Works Administration's announcement about the venue's extraordinary qualities that brought it among the finest of the nation. The first event hosted there was a concert by violinist Zino Francescatti. Soon after, Harry Silverstein felt the need to offer a range of organized chamber music concerts played on stage, for which he created non-profit Community Enterprises. A series of stage shows were then arranged on the Charleston stage, including the inaugural Broadway performance of What a Life, in November 1940.

The auditorium is a characteristic monolithic steel and concrete structure of huge proportions, representing the 'Art Deco Grande Dame' architectural style. Its unique architectural integrity, functionality and association with New Deal Era Public Works Administration, add to its paramount historical significance. This in turn sets the auditorium apart from all other playhouses in the city. And in 1999, the auditorium was listed among the prominent historic places in the National Register.

Through the years, the venue has had hundreds of thousands of visitors walking through its doors to hear and watch dance recitals, symphonies, gospel singing, band and choral festivals. It has also expanded its entertainment offerings with fashion shows, political rallies, operas, cooking schools, and stage plays. Notable people to have visited there include Nelson Eddy, Ray Charles, Bob Hope, Jeannette McDonalds and Billy Joel, among others. Grab Charleston Municipal Auditorium tickets so you can enjoy your favorite shows here.