Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts celebrated the third anniversary of Orlando’s Steinmetz Hall this month.
Known for its perfect acoustics, this one-of-a-kind multiform venue adapts in shape, seating and sound to host a wide range of events, making it a top destination for lovers of performing arts both on stage and in the audience.
“I have performed in The White House, Buckingham Palace, Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall, and I think this is the most beautiful and incredible theater I’ve ever seen,” multi-platinum-selling, two-time Emmy and five-time Grammy Award-nominated entertainer, Michael Feinstein shared during a recent visit.
In 2022, Steinmetz Hall was the first performing arts venue to open coming out of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States. Lyle Lovett performed during the Grand Celebration alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Since then, more than 500 performances and events have taken place inside the hall, utilizing 33 different seating configurations.
“Steinmetz Hall is really one of the best concert halls in the world. We really enjoyed performing with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a magnificently sounding hall,” four-time Grammy winner, American Country singer-songwriter Lyle Lovett said during his visit in January that year.
From the cork floors to the cherry millwork and the copper handrails — “the people’s metal”— every detail was meticulously designed to promote sound movement and create a welcoming and immersive experience for all guests.
“In the future you can expect our team to bring more world-wide artists to the hall and further explore how to best support our local arts groups in creating, exploring and presenting new works in the globally recognized theater,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president & CEO of Dr. Phillips Center.
Steinmetz Hall is home to the Orlando Ballet, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Opera Orlando’s official seasons. Every April, the University of Central Florida presents UCF Celebrates the Arts during a two-week residency and the hall is also home to the 24/25 Great Orchestra Series.
To date, 333 local and regional performances and 135 commercial shows have taken place inside Steinmetz Hall. Shows range from dance, musical, classical, opera, theater, comedy, family programming, films and more. Furthermore, the venue is downtown Orlando’s largest event space and has had more than 35,000 banquet meals served since opening.
In 2023, Architectural Digest named Steinmetz Hall one of the “11 Most Beautiful Theaters in the World.” Since opening, Steinmetz Hall has hosted international orchestras, legendary performers and memorable community events—including the annual Pulse REMEMBRANCE program.
Highlights include performances by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Jennifer Hudson, Beck and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Steinmetz Hall has also earned praise for its ability to reconfigure rapidly, hosting a rock concert one night and a classical performance the next.
What makes Steinmetz Hall unique?
- Transformative Space: The 1-million-pound orchestral shell moves on train tracks, reconfiguring the Hall from a 1,500-seat proscenium theater into a 1,700-seat concert hall. Two floating stage towers add further flexibility, enabling the Hall to accommodate anything from classical concerts to rock shows and banquets.
- Unmatched Acoustics: With an N1 acoustic rating, Steinmetz Hall is perfect for both non-amplified performances and amplified events. The Hall’s floating foundation and acoustic isolation pads ensure pristine sound free from external noise or vibration.
- Flexibility for Any Event: The Gala Floor System allows Steinmetz Hall to transform into Orlando’s largest event space, hosting weddings, corporate events and even, to date, hosted wrestling matches.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is a private nonprofit organization (501(c)(3) in downtown Orlando, Florida. The Central Florida arts center produces, presents and serves as home to regional, national and international works and co-presents Broadway in Orlando. This year, the arts center celebrates its 10th Anniversary, hosting 6,500+ performances and events, welcoming 4.7 million+ guests and contributing over $21.7 million to purpose and community since opening in November 2014. The arts center features renowned venues such as the Walt Disney Theater, Alexis & Jim Pugh Theater, and the acclaimed Steinmetz Hall, recognized among Architectural Digest’s 11 most beautiful theaters worldwide. Judson’s Live the new live music room, enhances the arts center alongside established venues such as the DeVos Family Room, Rooftop Terrace and Seneff Arts Plaza.
