Located at 26 Gibbs Street, Rochester, New York, the Eastman Theatre has been an iconic cultural hub for over 100 years. The theatre is notably famous as one of Rochester's premier performing art venues entertaining visitors with world-class opera, concerts, theater productions, dance performances, and numerous other events.
Eastman Theatre boasts of its rich history, elegant architecture, and state-of-the-art technology that makes every event unforgettable. Initially known as the Eastman School of Music, it was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1982. The theatre became a part of the University of Rochester in 1921 when George Eastman gifted his alma mater a music school and the Sibley Music Library to commemorate his late mother's love for music.
The Whitney Hall is the main auditorium within Eastman Theatre, with a seating capacity of 2,300 people and acoustics considered among the best in the world. Whitney Hall is renowned worldwide for attracting top musical performers from all genres like Yo-Yo Ma, Billy Joel, Lady Gaga, and Elton John, just to mention a few.
The Kilbourn Hall, located upstairs, is an intimate space mostly used for chamber music performances. It can accommodate up to 445 people and features 20th-century modern design elements that give it cozy acoustics perfect for small shows and recitals. Hatch Recital Hall, is another smaller but more flexible space. It seats roughly 220 concert goers, making it perfect for recordings, lectures, or solo performances.
Additionally, Max of Eastman Place (MEP) is an intimate venue adjacent to the east end of the main theatre auditorium. MEP offers an ultra-modern feel for events like weddings, receptions, and corporate meetings. It has glass windows that give guests an excellent cityscape view and customizable lighting that matches any occasion's color themes.
In conclusion, Eastman Theatre is more than just a stunning architectural masterpiece but also the center stage of the arts in Rochester. Events held at the venue are always thrilling, entertaining and unforgettable. Whether you are visiting Rochester or planning an event, the Eastman Theatre is an ideal venue worth checking out for its rich history, world-class acoustics, and top-notch performance staging.