Merrill Auditorium Tickets

Merrill Auditorium
Art - a facet of expression, a field of knowledge, a means of entertainment, art is whatever one can make of it. It is subjective to each individual human being. However, same is not true for a performing arts facility.

Despite this fact, one thing that is mutual to both art itself and the venue, is the fact that both are means of reliving the history. Both attempt to bring to life what has passed away in an effort to reincarnate all feelings, emotions and experiences.Merrill Auditorium does just that.

A premier Performing Arts Facility in Portland, Merrill Auditorium hosts a wide range of programming, from the Portland Symphony Orchestra, PCA Great Performances and the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ, to popular music concerts and Broadway shows.

Merrill Auditorium is a 1,900-seat auditorium located in Portland, Maine, United States. Organizations such as PCA Great Performances and the Portland Symphony Orchestra use the auditorium as a primary performance space. Formerly known as Portland City Hall Auditorium, it is located in the eastern section of Portland City Hall.

The original City Hall Auditorium was a classic example of regal architecture, boasting stone buildings with spacious porticos and columns, a deep court and large wings. Built in 1912 to replace two former halls both destroyed by fire, the City Hall Auditorium was built to resemble a miniature mansion of royal heritage.

Its claim to fame was the Kotzschmar Memorial Organ donated to the auditorium by Cyrus Curtis, a publishing tycoon. A celebrated instrument with 5,000 pipes of varying sizes, it was incorporated into the stage.

Many famous performers have honored the auditorium stage, including John Philip Sousa, Arthur Fiedler, George Gershwin, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Vladimir Horowitz, La Scala Grand Opera Company, Jessye Norman, Marilyn Horne, James Galway, Alvin Ailey, Itzhak Perlman, Van Cliburn, Ray Charles, Bruce Hornsby and Garrison Keiller.

Since its construction, the auditorium was preserved in its original condition although minor improvements and major renovations occurred in the 1960's. However, the auditorium continued to be haunted by dismal acoustics and poor sightlines. Finally, in January 1996, plans proposed by Winton Scott Architects were accepted and accordingly renovations began. With the renovation also came a name change - Merrill Auditorium.

Today, the re-named Merrill Auditorium is a 1900 seat performing arts facility, located in beautiful downtown Portland, Maine. In a short span of two years since its grand re-opening, Merrill Auditorium has established itself as one of the premier performing arts centers in the country.

During its first full year of operation over 130 events were presented. Attendance reached new records with 175,000 guests. These events covered a broad range of the performing arts including the Portland Symphony Orchestra, PCA Great Performances with names such as Isaac Stern and James Galway, rock n' roll, jazz, comedy, blues, children's programming and of course topped off with Broadway productions.

There is also a strong community usage as well with graduations, dance recitals and lectures. Merrill Auditorium has reached two of its goals - to present a thriving mix of programming and to become a true community center, part of the fabric of the community.

Merrill Auditorium caters to the need of its patrons forecasting every need of its clientele even before they know it exists. It therefore offers the following distinguished features:

Disability Parking - Reserved handicapped parking is located on both sides of Myrtle Street for patrons with a valid permit. Additional parking is located on Congress Street, in front of City Hall.

Restrooms - Accessible restrooms are located in the first floor lobby.

Elevator - The elevator provides transportation from any floor to the lobby.

Service Animals - Service animals are always welcome provided they remain on a leash or harness at all times.Wheelchair Seating - There are several wheelchair accessible seating areas within Merrill Auditorium. These locations are in the front and rear of the Orchestra Section, as well as the rear of the Grand Tier.

Oversized Seats - Two sets of oversized seats (two seats with a removable center arm and broader backrests) are available upon request.

Aisle Seats - Aisle seats with a movable arm to facilitate entry and exit are located throughout the auditorium.

Assisted Listening - Merrill Auditorium is equipped with an infrared listening assistance system. The event services staff provides customers with headset if requested. A valid driver's license or credit card is required as a deposit.

Sign Language Interpretation - Every effort is made to provide Sign Language interpretation for guests whenever reasonable accommodations can be made.