The Academy of Music opened its doors in 1857 and has been showcasing some of the world's best artists and performers ever since. Today the theater is widely used for a variety of performances from Broadway to comedians, musicians and orchestras, seating up to 2,600 guests.
The hall was built in 1855–57 and is the oldest opera house in the United States that is still used for its original purpose. Known as the “Grand Old Lady of Locust Street,” the venue is the home of the Philadelphia Ballet and Opera Philadelphia. It was also home to the Philadelphia Orchestra from its inception in 1900 until 2001, when the orchestra moved to the new Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. The Philadelphia Orchestra still retains ownership of the Academy. The hall was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962.
Academy Of Music Seating Charts
Academy Of Music Seating Charts
Academy of Music Ballroom
Visitors feel like royalty in the Ballroom. Its luxurious ambiance makes conferences, exhibits, corporate meetings, seminars, and VIP dinners dramatic and memorable. Count on modern touches, too, including a rich-sounding professional sound system and Wi-Fi. The seating capacity is 200 seated.
The Academy of Music Restoration Fund
The Academy of Music Restoration Fund
The Academy of Music, one of America’s most spectacular performing arts buildings, is a National Historic Landmark that has been in constant service to the Greater Philadelphia community since 1857. Modeled after Milan’s famed La Scala, it is the oldest opera house in the United States still used for its original purpose. It was the original home of The Philadelphia Orchestra and has hosted thousands of performances and significant historical events.
The Academy of Music Restoration Fund*
The ongoing restoration of the Academy requires consistent stewardship and planned investments that keep it safe, comfortable, and beautiful for all. Ticket sales from events support everyday maintenance of the Academy, but not capital improvement projects.
Gifts to the Academy of Music Restoration Fund support ongoing capital projects that ensure the structural integrity and long-term preservation of this National Historic Landmark. The restoration of our beloved Academy of Music is ongoing, with exciting projects on the horizon.
*While the Academy of Music is owned and managed by The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts Philly the Academy of Music Restoration Fund is a separate non-profit organization independent of its parent organization and can therefore accept restricted donations in support of its numerous capital projects. Its EIN number is 23-1501159. Questions? Contact 215-893-3151 or email us.