Boettcher Concert Hall is the first symphony hall in the United States designed in the 'in-the-round' configuration.
The complex was built on the site of the former Denver Auditorium, which was demolished in 1969 to make room for the current facility.
The Galleria glass canopy was designed to create a controlled environment that mimics a city street while protecting patrons from Colorado's variable weather.
The Ellie Caulkins Opera House is constructed inside the shell of the former 1908 Municipal Auditorium.
The complex officially opened its first completed segment in 1978.
It remains the second-largest performing arts center in the United States, following only the Lincoln Center in New York City.
The Denver Performing Arts Complex spans four city blocks and 12 acres, making it one of the largest performing arts centers in the world. It houses ten distinct performance venues, including the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Boettcher Concert Hall, and the Buell Theatre. The complex serves as the home base for resident companies such as the Colorado Symphony, Opera Colorado, and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. The site features a 80-foot-tall glass roof known as the Galleria, which connects the various theaters and functions as a covered outdoor public space. It hosts a diverse array of Broadway tours, classical music, theater productions, and contemporary dance. The architecture is primarily brutalist in design, characterized by expansive concrete structures and heavy geometric forms. The complex provides multiple dining and bar options integrated within the theater lobbies and the surrounding arts district. Ongoing site development projects are currently aimed at enhancing pedestrian connectivity to the adjacent downtown core.
Underneath the glass-roofed Galleria looking toward the Denver skyline.
Arrive at least 45 minutes before curtain to navigate the sprawling layout and find your specific theater entrance.
Check the digital signage within the Galleria to confirm which entrance leads to your assigned seat, as venues are connected but distinct.
Utilize the pre-order beverage service at the lobby bars to avoid intermission lines.
Assuming all theaters are accessed through the same lobby; each venue has unique points of entry along the complex perimeter.
Business casual is standard for most performances; avoid athletic wear. Silence all electronic devices and refrain from photography during active performances.
