Symphony Hall

Visit Symphony Hall to enjoy a performance from a programme that includes some of the biggest names in jazz, folk, rock, pop, comedy and spoken word productions. The 2,262-seat hall is also the home of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the venue in 1991 and today it hosts around 300 events and welcomes over 300,000 visitors each year.

Concerts are a big attraction of Symphony Hall. Previous performers include Bruce Springsteen, Van Morrison and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Tickets can be bought in advance from the box office or online.

One of the features of the hall is its ceiling, called an “acoustic canopy,” which can be moved up and down to change the sound of the performances. Another feature is the 6,000-pipe organ, which is used during orchestral performances. The organ is 65 feet (19.8 metres) tall.

See regular stand-up comedy shows by British comedians, such as Bill Bailey and Lenny Henry. Enjoy free photography exhibitions in Symphony Hall’s Broad Street Gallery. Find prints of previous performances as well as temporary exhibitions, such as a tribute to reggae in Birmingham. Visit the hall’s official website for full details about concerts, exhibitions and ticket prices.

A good way to learn about the venue is on a 90-minute tour, which takes place once a month. Visit the backstage area, get close to the organ and understand how the acoustics work. Advance bookings are recommended.

Symphony Hall is located in Centenary Square, a short walk from Birmingham’s city centre. The nearest train station is Birmingham New Street, which is within walking distance. Public buses also stop nearby on Broad Street. Pay-and-display parking is available at nearby Brindley Place and the National Indoor Arena (NIA).

Symphony Hall box office is open every day, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.