Academy of Music

Frommer's Review

In the early 19th century, building an opera house/symphony hall was a proposal much discussed by the cultural movers and shakers in Philadelphia. At the time, opera was the hallmark of culture, and in 1852, Philadelphia followed New York and Boston in constructing a hall specifically equipped to handle opera. The Academy of Music opened in 1857, a model of La Scala in Milan. The "Grand Old Lady of Locust Street" is grand, ornate, and, some critics contend, acoustically problematic. The academy underwent a major multimillion-dollar overhaul ending in 2002, with construction of a level extended stage, replacement of an old bowl-shaped floor with a raked one, and better seating and lighting. The spectacular 5,000-pound crystal chandelier stayed. To me, it's the most special place in town to watch any manner of show. (Prince played here once. It was perfect.) After all its work, the Academy remains a symphony of Victorian crimson and gold, with well-loved brick and original gaslights still flaming at the Broad Street entrance.

When the Philadelphia Orchestra (owner of the building and chief resident since 1900), moved to the Kimmel Center in 2001, the Academy of Music's calendar became a patchwork of performances by the Pennsylvania Ballet, the Opera Company of Philadelphia, and Broadway shows.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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