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Venues #6 in Raleigh, North Carolina

Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

4.7 · 2,653 reviews
Polished and cultural
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E South St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States
Interesting facts
1

The facility contains a dedicated rehearsal hall that mirrors the stage dimensions of the primary performance space.

2

Meymandi Concert Hall is housed within the same building but operates with a separate entrance and acoustic shell system.

3

The complex was rebranded from the Duke Energy Center to the Martin Marietta Center in 2023.

4

The venue structure is built atop a massive underground parking facility shared with the adjacent convention center.

5

The Kennedy Theatre was converted from a former historical city building into a flexible black-box configuration.

Overview

The Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts is Raleigh's premier municipal venue complex, housing four distinct performance halls within a single facility. Formerly known as the Duke Energy Center, it serves as the home for the North Carolina Symphony, Carolina Ballet, and North Carolina Opera. The site features the 2,277-seat Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, the intimate A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater, the black-box Kennedy Theatre, and the Meymandi Concert Hall. The complex is physically integrated into the Raleigh Convention Center architecture in the downtown district. Its acoustic design in Meymandi Concert Hall is specifically tuned for orchestral performances. The venue regularly hosts touring Broadway productions, comedy acts, and local dance recitals. It serves as a central anchor for the city's cultural arts district.

Photo spot

The glass-walled lobby atrium during dusk, when the downtown Raleigh skyline lights reflect off the building's exterior.

Insider tips

Check the specific building entrance for your ticket, as the complex spans multiple interconnected halls.

Utilize the drop-off lane on South Street for easier access during inclement weather.

Arrive early to explore the public art displays located in the main lobby areas.

What to avoid

Attempting to find street parking immediately in front of the building; use the designated underground parking decks instead.

Good to know

Operations are event-dependent; the lobby generally opens one hour prior to curtain time.

Etiquette

Business casual is standard, though attire varies significantly depending on whether the event is a formal symphony or a casual comedy show.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2.5-3.5 hours
Best time to visit
Fall and Spring seasons, when local arts organizations maintain their most active performance schedules.
Address
Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E South St, Raleigh, NC 27601, United States
35.771, -78.640
Get directions
Details
Performance HallsRaleigh Memorial Auditorium, Meymandi Concert Hall, A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater, Kennedy Theatre
Resident CompaniesNorth Carolina Symphony, Carolina Ballet, North Carolina Opera

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2.5-3.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Fall and Spring seasons, when local arts organizations maintain their most active performance schedules..

The glass-walled lobby atrium during dusk, when the downtown Raleigh skyline lights reflect off the building's exterior.

Close by you'll find Marbles Kids Museum, Pullen Park, Artspace.