When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Abravanel Hall
Why Abravanel Hall is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Abravanel Hall stands as a premier concert hall in the heart of Salt Lake City, Utah, and serves as the distinguished home of the Utah Symphony. Opened in September 1979 and originally named Symphony Hall, this landmark was renamed in 1993 to honor Maurice Abravanel, who led the Utah Symphony Orchestra for over 30 years. The hall is known for its exceptional architectural design, featuring a striking four-story glass and brass wall in its lobby inspired by the nearby Temple Square. With a seating capacity of nearly 2,800 reserved seats, Abravanel Hall provides an intimate yet grand atmosphere for world-class performances ranging from symphonies to special cultural events. The venue’s thoughtful design and excellent acoustics make it an ideal destination for friends and families to gather for memorable musical experiences in a sophisticated setting. Located adjacent to significant city landmarks, including Temple Square and the Salt Palace, Abravanel Hall seamlessly connects cultural heritage with modern artistry. It underwent expansions and renovations to enhance accessibility and guest services, ensuring a comfortable visit for all attendees. Its status on the National Register of Historic Places underscores its architectural and cultural importance, marking it not just as a place to enjoy music, but as a treasured community hub and historic icon.
Here's what people think of Abravanel Hall
As of recent, Abravanel Hall holds a 4.8-star rating based on 2801 reviews.
User reviews of Abravanel Hall overwhelmingly praise the venue for its superb acoustics, elegant design, and comfortable seating, scoring an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from nearly 2,800 reviews. Many visitors highlight the hall’s perfect balance of intimacy and grandeur, which enhances the live music experience. The quality and professionalism of performances hosted here, primarily by the Utah Symphony, receive abundant commendation. Positive reviews often mention the warm, inviting atmosphere, attentive staff, and convenient downtown location. Guests appreciate the ease of access and the venue’s ability to foster a shared cultural experience among friends and family. On the other hand, some critiques focus on logistical issues such as limited parking options nearby and occasional crowd congestion during major events. A few visitors have noted that seating prices can be high, reflecting the premium experience Abravanel Hall offers. However, these negative points do not significantly detract from the overall favorable impression. In conclusion, reviews portray Abravanel Hall as a beloved, well-maintained concert hall that delivers outstanding performances within a striking architectural setting, making it a top choice for arts and culture enthusiasts looking to meet up and enjoy live music together.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
John Cutler
In February 2025, we visited Abravanel Hall in Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. We patronized the Utah Symphony Orchestra, for the "Bravo Broadway" concert. Abravanel Hall has great acoustics and lighting for these Utah Symphony concerts. Likewise, the architecture and building decorations were excellent and cleverly done. The "Bravo Broadway" concert was highly enjoyable and memorable. Thank you, Abravanel Hall, for hosting this memorable Utah Symphony concert and providing a terrific venue for different Utah performing art shows.
Irene Eng
The Utah Symphony's hall is quite impressive for a city with a population of 199,723 (2020 census; the Metro is 1.3m). The red four-story blown-glass installation sculpture in the lobby is the Olympic Tower, by glass artist Dale Chihuly (1941-). The wood reminds me of Lincoln Center (but I'm not too fond of the gold hue). We were on our way to FamilySearch, but when passing by the symphony hall, we found a Mozart concert! And they still have tickets. Lucky me. The program: 1. Mozart, Symphony #35 2. Saint-Saëns, piano concerto #2, with Alessio Bax (1977-, Bari, Italy) 3. Bartók, concerto for orchestra Conductor Christoph Koncz (1987-, Konstanz, West Germany) gave a briefing on the background, which is excellent. The latecomers are let in during the piece that is being played. Errrhhhh… I thoroughly enjoy Saint-Saëns' piano concerto; the pianist received a prolonged standing ovation. The thundering enthusiasm is rewarded with an encore: he plays with his left hand only. Couldn't remember the name of the piece. The third piece is bit too hard, so we left - ok, we did move to the back, next to the exit, preparing to leave early. We were kind of hungry - the concert started at 5:30, an odd time.
Stephanie Fraser
Beautiful building. Wonderful Symphony. We were attending Star Wars, New Hope in Concert. It was a lot of fun. They had people in character for photo-ops and merch for sale. Watching the movie with a live orchestra is really fun.
Ben Hunt
There was a lot of grief about keeping this place when negotiating building an entrainment plaza around the Delta Center. There are huge problems. There is only one set of restrooms. The Hallways are not large enough to clear out crowds in the event of an emergency. The foyer isn't large enough for popular events that fill the hall. Outside of the sound in the hall, it is not a pleasant experience
Sara Beaudry
Beautiful venue. The balcony seats are slanted toward the stage, so you aren't shoulder to shoulder with your neighbor. The tiers (balcony) have quite a bit of an incline toward the stage, giving everyone a good view. The chairs are quite narrow, so can be tight on the hips for us bigger patrons. The ushers were kind and friendly, very clean. Parking takes awhile and is a bit of a walk, so plan ahead.
How to reach Abravanel Hall
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Why Abravanel Hall may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Abravanel Hall with your friends? Because it offers an extraordinary blend of world-class cultural experiences, architectural grandeur, and a welcoming atmosphere that transforms any group gathering into a memorable occasion. Nestled in the heart of Salt Lake City, Abravanel Hall isn’t just a concert venue—it’s a beacon of artistic excellence and community spirit. Whether you and your friends share a passion for classical music, enjoy striking architecture, or simply seek a refined yet inviting space to create special memories, this hall caters perfectly to your needs. Its origin as the home of the Utah Symphony, coupled with its renowned acoustics and breathtaking interiors featuring gold leaf accents and a soaring glass lobby, will impress even the most discerning guests. Beyond the performances, it offers a unique setting to connect, celebrate, and immerse yourselves in the vibrant cultural fabric of the city. The venue’s 4.8-star rating from over 2,800 reviews highlights the consistently positive experiences enjoyed by visitors, making it a trusted destination for group meetups. Rally your friends here for an inspiring cultural outing that resonates long after the music ends.
What types of activities can you enjoy at Abravanel Hall? The centerpiece activity is attending one of the many musical performances hosted here, predominantly featuring the Utah Symphony. These concerts range from classical symphonies and chamber music to special guest performances and seasonal events, providing a diverse repertoire that suits a wide variety of tastes. Beyond symphonic music, the Hall occasionally hosts ballet, opera, solo recitals, and cultural festivals, allowing groups to savor varied artistic expressions. The acoustically perfect environment, designed by renowned acoustician Cyril M. Harris, ensures an unparalleled audio experience, so every note reaches the audience with crystal clarity. Additionally, the venue offers behind-the-scenes tours, where groups can explore the architectural details and learn about the hall’s history and design innovations. For those interested in the art and architecture itself, the lobby’s striking 30-foot-tall red glass sculpture, “The Olympic Tower” by Dale Chihuly, and the stunning four-story glass curtain wall present beautiful contemplative spaces to enjoy before or after events.
Why is Abravanel Hall the perfect place for group meetups and gatherings? Its design and amenities cater thoughtfully to groups looking to make the most of a shared cultural outing. With a seating capacity of nearly 2,800, it can comfortably accommodate large parties without a sense of crowding, and its reserved seating allows groups to secure adjacent seats, ensuring an inclusive experience. The hall’s interior charm, adorned with 24-karat gold leaf and white oak paneling, creates an elegant ambiance that elevates any social occasion. Its central location near Temple Square and the Salt Palace makes it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike, enhancing convenience for meeting up. The venue also boasts renovated facilities like spacious reception rooms and welcoming ticket offices, ideal for pre- or post-performance gatherings, discussions, or even casual socializing. This blend of sophistication and accessibility, combined with attentive customer service and a reputation for hosting high-quality cultural events, paves the way for enriching shared experiences among family and friends.
What makes the architecture of Abravanel Hall an experience in itself? Designed by FFKR Architects, Abravanel Hall is more than a concert venue; it is an architectural icon in Salt Lake City. The hall stands as a "concrete building within a brick building," a structural choice that both isolates state-of-the-art acoustics from urban noise and forms a distinctive visual statement. Its jagged lines and sharp edges extend outward, connecting the building seamlessly to the surrounding cityscape with pavilions and plazas, symbolizing its role as an urban cultural hub. Inside, visitors immediately notice the lavish use of materials like white oak for wall paneling and grand brass chandeliers adorned with tens of thousands of Bohemian crystals, creating a warm yet majestic atmosphere. The lobby, with its vast four-story glass curtain, floods the space with natural light while framing iconic views of Temple Square and the Wasatch Mountains. Architectural details such as the multi-tiered gold leaf staircases and the notable interplay of light and texture elevate the entire visiting experience, making the venue a destination in its own right, even for those attending purely for the visual splendor.
How does Abravanel Hall support accessibility and comfort for groups? Since its construction between 1976 and 1979 and subsequent expansions, Abravanel Hall has prioritized accessibility and visitor comfort to ensure an inclusive experience. The 1998 expansion brought the addition of wheelchair-accessible restrooms and improved reception facilities, accommodating guests with diverse mobility needs. The reserved seating concept guarantees designated spots for groups, including those requiring accessible seating arrangements, eliminating confusion or inconvenience during events. The spacious lobby and reception areas provide ample space for mingling before and after shows, preventing crowding and allowing friends and family to relax together comfortably. The venue’s location near public transportation and ample parking options further supports hassle-free arrival and departure for large parties. Staff members at the hall are known for their helpfulness and professionalism, contributing to a smooth, welcoming experience that puts group visitors at ease from the moment they enter.
What kinds of special events or seasonal occasions make Abravanel Hall stand out as a meetup choice? Beyond regular concert programming, Abravanel Hall hosts a variety of special events that are perfect for group outings. During the 2002 Winter Olympics Arts Festival, for instance, the hall showcased notable performances including collaborations with celebrated artists like Audra McDonald. This venue continues to be involved with cultural festivals and seasonal celebrations, enriching Salt Lake City’s arts calendar with unique entertainment offers. Holiday concerts, featuring popular festive music and symphony performances, provide a spirited environment for family and friends to share joyful moments. Moreover, educational programs and outreach concerts often invite community groups and youth ensembles, widening the opportunities for interactive experiences. These special events, set against the backdrop of the hall’s sophistication and superb acoustics, transform a meetup into a cherished cultural event that deepens bonds and offers lifelong memories.
Why do visitors consistently rate Abravanel Hall so highly? The hall’s remarkable 4.8-star rating based on more than 2,800 reviews attests to its exceptional quality across multiple facets. Attendees frequently praise the acoustics, describing the sound clarity and balance as unmatched, which enhances every musical experience profoundly. The venue’s elegant architecture and stunning interior design receive constant admiration, with visitors noting that the ambiance significantly elevates each event. Friendly and attentive staff, ease of ticketing and seating, and clean, comfortable facilities all factor into the positive reviews. Its central downtown location coupled with convenient access to dining and other entertainment options around Temple Square also contributes to visitor satisfaction. This consistent excellence across multiple dimensions makes Abravanel Hall a reliable and desirable destination for anyone planning a cultural gathering, assuring all that their experience will be both enjoyable and memorable.
What makes Abravanel Hall an ideal spot for both family and friend gatherings? The venue’s atmosphere strikes a balance between formality and warmth, accommodating a wide range of group types and sizes. Families can relish the educational slant of classical concerts and seasonal programs that engage all ages, while friend groups find the setting elegant enough for special occasions without feeling intimidating. The spacious lobby and reception areas act as social hubs, encouraging conversation and laughter before and after performances. Its mix of grand tradition with accessible community arts makes it appealing to both long-time classical music lovers and newcomers exploring cultural events. Food and drink options nearby allow groups to extend their outings beyond the hall itself, turning a simple meetup into a full-day cultural and social experience. Overall, Abravanel Hall provides the perfect environment for creating meaningful connections through shared artistic appreciation.
How can planning a meetup at Abravanel Hall enhance the overall group experience? When organizing a meetup, location, atmosphere, and activities converge to define the event’s success. Abravanel Hall offers each of these in abundance through its prime downtown Salt Lake City location, iconic architecture, and superior program offerings. Planning ahead ensures your group can secure preferred seating and coordinate attendance for special performances or tours. The variety of concerts and events available year-round means you can tailor the experience to your group’s interests and schedules. The hall’s hospitality services also facilitate seamless group coordination, including ticketing support and accessible amenities. Framing your gathering within this remarkable cultural institution not only entertains but also inspires conversation, learning, and shared joy, making your meetup truly exceptional and highly anticipated by all involved.