Benaroya Hall

In today's article we are going to explore the fascinating world of Benaroya Hall, a topic that has captured the attention of humanity for decades. From its origins to its current impacts, Benaroya Hall has played a fundamental role in our lives, influencing the way we think, behave and relate to the world around us. Throughout this article, we will examine the various aspects of Benaroya Hall, from its historical importance to its relevance today, providing an in-depth and comprehensive look at this intriguing topic. Join us on this journey of discovery as we explore the mysteries and wonders of Benaroya Hall.

Benaroya Hall
Map
Address200 University Street
Seattle, Washington
United States
Coordinates47°36′29″N 122°20′13″W / 47.608051°N 122.336948°W / 47.608051; -122.336948 (Benaroya Hall)
TypeConcert hall
CapacityTaper: 2,500
Nordstrom: 536
Construction
OpenedSeptember 1998
ArchitectLMN Architects
Website
www.seattlesymphony.org/benaroyahall
3rd Avenue side of Benaroya Hall
Seattle Symphony on stage in Benaroya Hall in May 2009

Benaroya Hall is the home of the Seattle Symphony in Downtown Seattle, Washington, United States. It features two auditoria, the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, a 2,500-seat performance venue, as well as the Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall, which seats 536. Opened in September 1998 at a cost of $120 million, Benaroya is noted for its technology-infused acoustics designed by Cyril Harris. Benaroya occupies an entire city block in the center of the city and has helped double the Seattle Symphony's budget and number of performances. The lobby of the hall features a large contribution of glass art, such as one given the title Crystal Cascade, by artist Dale Chihuly.[1]

Benaroya Hall is named for noted philanthropist Jack Benaroya, whose $15.8 million donation was the first and largest of many for construction of the facility.[2]

The hall was designed by LMN Architects of Seattle, and was awarded the National Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects in 2001. The structural engineer on the project was Magnusson Klemencic Associates.

The building sits directly above the Great Northern Tunnel, which carries the primary rail corridor through the city, and adjacent to the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel. The latter has Symphony station, which is directly integrated into the building and was renamed in August 2024 for the Seattle Symphony.[3] The performance hall is insulated by floating on rubber pads which insulate it from the outer shell of the building. These same noise-insulation features would also serve to dampen the destructive effects of any prospective earthquakes.[4][5]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Art". Seattle Symphony. Retrieved 2016-10-02.
  2. ^ "About". Seattle Symphony. Retrieved 2016-10-02.
  3. ^ Lindblom, Mike (August 6, 2024). "This Seattle light rail station is getting renamed, clearing confusion". The Seattle Times. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  4. ^ "Hall Design". Seattle Symphony. Retrieved 2016-10-02.
  5. ^ Mitchell, Carole L. B. (1997). "Orchestrating a firm foundation for new Seattle Symphony Hall". Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce. Retrieved May 21, 2017.
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