Symphony Hall is the home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops, opened in 1900 at the corner of Massachusetts and Huntington Avenues. Designed by the firm McKim, Mead & White with acoustician Wallace Clement Sabine, it was one of the first concert halls built using scientific acoustic principles, and it remains widely regarded as one of the finest-sounding concert halls in the world. The leather-seated, shoebox-shaped auditorium is lined with replicas of Greek and Roman statues set in niches above the second balcony.
Beyond the BSO and the Pops, the hall hosts visiting orchestras, recitals, and the Handel and Haydn Society. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1999. Visitors planning to attend should consult the official BSO website for current concert schedules, ticketing, and tour availability, as these change by season.
Good to know
- Home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops
- Designed by McKim, Mead & White with pioneering acoustician Wallace Sabine; opened 1900
- Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1999
- Performances are ticketed; check the official BSO site for schedules and tours
Getting there
- Address: 301 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
- Neighborhood: Symphony / Fenway-Back Bay area (border of Back Bay and the Fenway)
- Nearest T: Symphony (MBTA Green Line E branch) is adjacent; note Symphony station is closed for renovation beginning 2026 — Prudential (Green Line E) and Massachusetts Avenue (Orange Line) are nearby alternatives. Check mbta.com for current service.