I came to the Kimmel Center last night to watch Yo-Yo Ma perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra. The performance was wonderful, and I was so grateful that I got to spend an evening watching such a talented group in such an incredible space. The Center, and its various halls, is spacious with a beautiful décor. Come for a nice night out and an excuse to get dressed up!
Abby W.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Philadelphia, PA
This place is just a delight. I love coming here to see the Philadelphia Orchestra. Last week we had seats in the fourth row, center, which was pretty great but keep in mind if the performance is going to feature a pianist like the one we saw, the grand piano blocks your view of the conductor. It was removed for the second half of the performance, for which I was grateful because watching Yannick Seguin conduct is truly captivating. The sound in this hall is amazing, and the seats are very comfortable. Unfortunately, the much-older clientele really favours the heavy perfume and cologne, and I fear a person who is very sensitive would struggle to breathe. I think this is really inconsiderate when people are in such close quarters. Next time we’re planning to get seats in the Conductor’s Circle so we can really appreciate Seguin and get the full experience.
David B.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Pittsburgh, PA
We had a wonderful experience last night attending a Philadelphia Orchestra performance at the Kimmel Center. We arrived early and easily picked up our tickets at Will Call. The bar had limited wine options, they would do well to bring in a consultant. The cheese plate was okay, but again, why not offer something gourmet and special, especially given the beautiful setting? There are several performance spaces within the Kimmel, however the orchestra performs in the 2,547 seat hall. It’s a huge cello shaped room with a marvelous modern feel, yet suggests a connection to the old opera halls of Europe. Much has been written about the acoustics of the Kimmel, there were initial problems at the opening, then modifications made in 2011. The experience for me was idiosyncratic, the violins were gorgeous but the bass and cellos muddy. We were in row R, so imagine every seat would have its own quirks. The Orchestra played beautifully, and although we could not see most of the winds, it was a visual treat. Leg room was generous. You are close to your seat mates, but I suppose it’s about adequate space. Overall, an amazing venue and a wonderful orchestra.
Katie C.
Évaluation du lieu : 1 Jamison, PA
I went there for a wedding«consultation,» and it was a horrible experience. I really can’t even call it a consultation because the entire process was rushed beginning to end and I barely got any information. The woman who showed me around seemed preoccupied. I was really interested in the space and was told I would be contacted by someone else to go over available dates and pricing. I never even received that information or a follow up. Needless to say I will be taking my business else where. Such a shame because it is a beautiful space.
Mo M.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Philadelphia, PA
Always a great experience at the Kimmel! Thoroughly enjoyed my evening at the Kimmel yesterday for the Marian Anderson Award event. Highly recommend anyone to attend this(almost) annual event that honors highly successful and esteemed artists from all genres… dancers, singers, musicians, actors. This year’s honoree. Wynton Marsalis. Verizon Hall was the location of this event. I personally love looking at the interiors of this space, which is reminiscent of the inside of a violin box. My tickets were in tier 3 and the view was beautiful. You’re up there now(don’t get me wrong) but if you aren’t afraid of heights, there are many unobstructed views from Tier 3. It was truly a phenomenal showcase of talent last night! Will definitely attend events at the Kimmel again… very soon…
Jane H.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Queens, NY
This is a huge theatre complex with different venues. The Kimmel Center is a great location. at Verizon Hall for the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the accoustics are amazing! It’s a small venue, so any seat is pretty good. One thing I do wonder, did Verizon make reception bad here on purpose? There is poor/no reception, so go outside if you need to look up something on your phone. On the other hand, it is good in case you forget to silent your phone — you don’t get service anyway, no one will bother you!
Samantha E.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Glenside, PA
I have enjoyed every show that I have seen at the Kimmel Center. The acoustics are great and every seat has an excellent view. This winter, my fiancé and I attend the Valentine’s Day performance and more recently attended the free Community Concert. The latter was«Live Note Enabled» which allows you to view notes about the music in real time, as the orchestra plays. This was a fun experience, however the app seems to have been written for iPhone and the Android version was lacking– the two layers of text overlapped and were unreadable, so I was holding my iPhone for the two of us to view. I enjoy that they invite people to pack a «picnic» dinner to enjoy in the lobby before the show, often having live music playing beforehand. A quick trip to DiBruno Bros. beforehand made for a great, simple dinner option. They also have a small selection of salads and sandwiches available for purchase. At the first performance we attended, we ordered drinks before the show for intermission, which was very convenient, however we still did not have enough time to enjoy our drinks before the show started again. We have opted to stop for drinks after performances since then. I am very disappointed that the biggest show of 2016, the John Williams performance, will only be available to the Kimmel Center Subscribers. I love attending events here, but simply do not have the time to attend 4+ events a year. I hope they will open this event for general ticket sales.
Reem C.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Philadelphia, PA
I’ve been to the Kimmel Center now for various events and occasions and I couldn’t believe I never reviewed the place. The Kimmel is amazing. I was recently here for a graduation and Organ Day. Verizon Hall, which is the main hall where performances are held in the Kimmel, if beautiful once you really take it all in. Seeing a performance in Verizon Hall is definitely something to behold. Perelmann Theatre is a small hall for stage plays and smaller performances. Perelmann is great because no matter where you sit, you have a good view of the performance.
Eric R.
Évaluation du lieu : 2 Flourtown, PA
Recently here for a performance. Had not been here in a few years. Doesn’t look like they cleaned the upholstery on the chairs in Verizon hall for a while and it was rather worn and tatty. Sorry to see the lace in such sorry shape. Such a beautiful hall. Also sorry to hear dining options were limited to hyper pricey Volver. We had to leave the premises to go to Russet for reasonably priced good food. What a shame. Hopefully the management will turn on the lights and see how run down this jewel is becoming.
YJ L.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Washington, DC
So, what overpriced consultant suggested replacing the gift shop with a ridiculously high priced restaurant? Ok, so the gift shop isn’t making a lot of money… so you put in a $ 300 a plate restaurant instead? Ok Kimmel Center, I hope you are getting a lot of extra income from the lease… Otherwise, the place is great! On a recent visit to Philadelphia, my friend and I had some time to kill and decided to go on their free tour. First, the tour itself I would give 5 stars. I learned a lot of really interesting facts about the construction and engineering of both halls and our tour guide had style. Also, when I was a student I took advantage of their ezseatu program which is probably one of the best in the nation in terms of making the arts available to students.
Doina N.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Philadelphia, PA
One of the most beautiful art venues in the city of Philadelphia. I was for the opening night of the Philadelphia Orchestra with Yannick Nézet-Séguin. He’s amazing but so it’s the orchestra. Usually there’s no special discount for the opening nights. Whenever, you can sign up for their email to receive deals for any show. It’s the spot for whoever has a taste for the classic.
Dee M.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Philadelphia, PA
February 172015. Attended 4TH of 5 in my Jazz Concert series. Still wowed by the seating which for a tall person is important. It is great. Still wowed by the acoustics. Still wowed by every performer stating coming to the Kimmel is one of the greatest honors of their careers. In the old days it was Carnegie but today all of them from around the world state Kimmel is their favorite. We Philadelphians take for granted we have so many historical gems, fine dining etc so we tend to put off visits to such great places. Don’t do this with THEKIMMEL. You may just be blown away. like I.
Rita G.
Évaluation du lieu : 4 Philadelphia, PA
I was here for the new years day free family thing. Can’t be free! its was great, free balloon animals, free performances, free face painting and food was very good and very cheap. it did get very crowded and the way everything was laid out, it made it a bit hectic… especially with people fighting over seating… we were lucky and found chairs quick though. all in all… a great experience
Susan M.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Philadelphia, PA
Even if you’re not a fan of classical music any opportunity to see a show in Verizon Hall should not be missed! There is not a bad seat in the house, and the acoustics are outstanding! We saw the annual Cirque de Symphonie and could not have been more impressed with the production! The combination of contemporary music and acrobatics would be fun for any age! The tour of the facility is free and no more than 20 minutes. An interesting experience for anyone interested in architecture, music, or sound engineering. The first Saturday of the month features a free organ concert at 1pm and the organ itself is a sight to be seen! The restaurant is just okay, but it’s view of broad street would be fun for the Mummers Parade or Broad Street Run for sure!
Michael G.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Philadelphia, PA
What a magnificent building! On the first Saturday of each month at 1PM, there is a free 15 – 20 minute organ recital along with the general tour of the entire facility. Even sitting farthest away from the grand organ everything is so clear. I’m disappointed that it took me years to get here for the first time! I must hear the orchestra ASAP! I like the artwork, sculptures, architecture, everything about this building. It was very clean and the sound quality in the performance areas were an audiophile’s dream. I came here once for the organ recital, and last night to eat at Volver(see my review!) I hope to be coming back to the Kimmel Center a lot more often.
Michael N.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Collingswood, NJ
It doesn’t get any better than the Kimmel Center. This is pretty much the most beautiful and best sounding venue I’ve ever been in. Obviously this is home to the Philadelphia Orchestra, but plenty of other traveling orchestras and other acts come through here as well. Bring your walking shoes because it is big and the stairs to the third tier can be a little tiring… Or you cheat and take the elevators. The snack and drink options are a bit sparse and extremely overpriced. Technically you aren’t allowed to bring anything into the room, but I’ve seen plenty of people bring in small bags of candy from the outside. As with most orchestra shows it can be a bit pricey, but it’s not an everyday thing either. Go out and support Philly arts.
Kelly T.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Philadelphia, PA
I was in the Kimmel Center for the first time for the Brewer’s Plate event. It was just as gorgeous on the inside as it is on the outside. The huge atrium opens several stories, all the way to the roof, and balconies on the upper floors allow you to look out over Broad Street and north a few blocks to the ever architecturally stunning City Hall. Sculptures dot the open space and remind you that the Kimmel Center exists for those who love art and its design was carefully planned to make you appreciate your time there. This is a wonderful event space and I look forward to attending more events here in the future, as well as checking out the actual performance space(and Volver!).
Emma M.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Princeton, NJ
Attended a chamber music concert here. Booking the tickets was a cinch. Staff was friendly and super-helpful both on the phone and on-site. A couple of board members introduced themselves during intermission and after the performance, which made it a much warmer and more personal experience. The Perelman Theater, which has a clean modern feel, has fantastic acoustics, nice seats, and great sight lines. I was seated in the orchestra, but after intermission, I opted to sit directly above the performers – a very different perspective, and a unique and enjoyable experience. Oh, and importantly, the ladies room was sparkling clean and visually pleasing. The layout was clearly designed to minimize wait times. In short, beautiful building, helpful, friendly people, and superb programming. What’s not to love?
Syvan T.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Philadelphia, PA
A beautiful concert hall with great acoustics, wonderful shows and a great location with many parking lots nearby so you don’t have to look for parking.
Joe S.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Philadelphia, PA
Just saw Vivaldi performed by Giuliano Carmingola and I must say one of the best performances I have ever seen. I highly recommend seeing this performed tomorrow and Sunday.