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Cleveland Orchestra At Severance Hall - Cleveland

Things to Do at Cleveland Orchestra At Severance Hall

Complete Guide to Cleveland Orchestra At Severance Hall in Cleveland

About Cleveland Orchestra At Severance Hall

This distinctive destination represents the authentic character and cultural heritage of Cleveland, featuring architectural elements, historical significance, and local traditions that provide visitors with genuine insights into regional identity and community life spanning multiple generations. Typical entrance fees range from the local equivalent of -15 USD depending on seasonal demand and included amenities, while guided tours cost an additional -20 per person and offer invaluable context about historical events, cultural practices, and hidden details often overlooked by independent exploration. The site showcases remarkable craftsmanship through traditional building techniques, locally-sourced materials, and distinctive design elements that reflect regional climate adaptations and cultural influences, creating photography opportunities that capture both architectural beauty and atmospheric conditions throughout different times of day. Plan visits during early morning hours (8:00-10:00 AM) or late afternoon when natural lighting enhances visual appeal and temperatures remain comfortable for extended walking, while bringing appropriate footwear for uneven surfaces and respectful attire that honors local customs, listening for ambient sounds like traditional music, marketplace activity, or natural elements that contribute to the authentic sensory experience of this remarkable location.

What to See & Do

Grand Foyer

The marble and bronze entrance space with soaring ceilings and elegant chandeliers - worth arriving early just to take it in

Reinberger Chamber Hall

A more intimate 400-seat venue within the building that hosts smaller ensembles and recitals

The Concert Hall

The main 1,890-seat auditorium with its famous acoustics and beautiful Art Deco details throughout

Guided Tours

Behind-the-scenes tours that take you backstage and explain the hall's architectural and acoustic features

Pre-Concert Talks

Educational sessions before select performances that give context about the music and composers

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Performance times vary, typically evening concerts at 8pm and matinees at 3pm. Box office generally open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, weekends 10am-4pm on performance days

Tickets & Pricing

Tickets range from around $25 for upper balcony seats to $150+ for premium orchestra seating. Student and senior discounts available. Best to book through their website or box office

Best Time to Visit

The main season runs September through May. Friday and Saturday evening performances tend to be the most formal, while Thursday and Sunday concerts are often more relaxed

Suggested Duration

Most concerts run 2-2.5 hours including intermission. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to explore the building

Getting There

Severance Hall sits in University Circle, about 4 miles east of downtown Cleveland. If you're driving, there's a parking garage directly behind the hall, though it fills up quickly for popular shows. The RTA's Red Line stops at University Circle, making it pretty accessible by public transit. From downtown, it's about a 15-minute drive or 30 minutes by train. Uber and Lyft work well too, especially since the area can get busy on concert nights and rideshare pickup is usually smoother than trying to navigate parking.

Things to Do Nearby

Cleveland Museum of Art
Top-tier art museum just a short walk away, with free general admission and impressive collections
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Beautiful gardens including tropical glasshouse biomes - nice for a pre-concert stroll
Western Reserve Historical Society
Local history museum with exhibits on Cleveland's industrial past and cultural development
Little Italy
Charming neighborhood nearby with authentic Italian restaurants perfect for pre-show dinner
Case Western Reserve University
The campus itself is worth walking through, with some lovely architecture and the feeling of a classic college town

Tips & Advice

Dress codes are more relaxed than you might expect - business casual is perfectly fine, though some people do dress up for Saturday evening performances
The acoustics are so good that you'll actually hear people unwrapping cough drops, so come prepared if you think you might need one
If you're new to classical music, try a pops concert first - they often feature film music or Broadway tunes alongside classical pieces
The hall offers rush tickets for students and sometimes last-minute discounts, so it's worth calling if you're flexible about seating

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