Academy of Music, Theaters in Philadelphia, National Historical Landmarks in Philadelphia

Academy of Music – Theaters in Philadelphia

‘The Grand Old Lady of Broad Street’

The Academy of Music is one of many theaters in Philadelphia that adds to the cultural aspects of the City of Philadelphia. The Academy of Music is the oldest opera house in the United States that is still used for its original purpose. The theater is located in the Rittenhouse Square and the Avenue of Arts section.

History of the Academy of Music

The Academy of Music was built in 1857 and it’s current location was because back then, this was a residential area that was free of traffic noises. Which made sense for the designers and architects when picking an area for the Academy. The focus of the design was that of the interior due to budgetary restrictions. Thus making the exterior plain and simple like a Markethouse, expecting the exterior would be faced with marble at a later date.

The Academy has hosted many world-famous performers, conductors and composers, and a significant number of American premieres of works in the standard operatic and classical repertoire. This is where John Phillip Sousa introduced his “The Stars and Stripes Forever”, Leopold Stokowski introduced Gustav Mahler’s Eight Sympothy, Igor Stravinky’s “The Rite of Spring” was staged here, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky performed, and many others.

Outside of arts events, it hosted the 1872 Republican National Convention amd continues to be one of the busiest halls in the world and hosts a myriad of community functions and cultural activities to this date. The hall was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962

Academy of Music Experience & Atmosphere

The Academy of Music is former longtime home of the Philadelphia Orchestra and current home of the Pennsylvania Ballet and the Opera Company of Philadelphia. The Kimmel Center has become the Philadelphia Orchestra’s new home.

What is unique about the Academy is that it has played to the ballets, musicals, the orchestra, and more; giving it that grand-old theater feel. If there was a negative to this fine theater, there are support columns that obstruct your view from so many different angles. Yet many have agreed that the sound quality is extremely good.

The Academy’s space is grand, gorgeous, lush, and ornate. The velvet and plush abound, adds to the experience. You can literally feel transported back in time when you take a seat and peer down at the stage.

The main hall (capacity 2,897) is constantly in use for concerts, operas, ballets, and other events. The theater also features a 350-seat Grand Ballroom, which is used for chamber music concerts, lectures, and other smaller-scale events. This section was inspired by the design of the Hall of mirrors at Versailles.

The Academy of Music is a large part of the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. The Academy holds tours and schedules may be obtained by contacting the manager’s office. Another nice feature is that its close to many establishments to eat and drink before and after a show.