The venue houses the Kotzschmar Memorial Organ, one of the oldest municipal organs in the United States, donated by Cyrus H.K. Curtis.
The auditorium was originally constructed as part of a rebuilding effort after the Great Fire of Portland in 1866 destroyed much of the city center.
The organ consists of over 7,000 pipes, ranging from the size of a pencil to 32 feet in height.
The hall was named after James A. Merrill, a local businessman and philanthropist.
It is acoustically designed to accommodate both large-scale orchestral performances and intimate spoken-word events.
Merrill Auditorium is a 1,908-seat performance hall located within Portland City Hall in Portland, Maine. It serves as the primary venue for the Portland Symphony Orchestra and the Portland Ovations performing arts series. The auditorium is home to the Kotzschmar Memorial Organ, a massive symphonic pipe organ built by the Austin Organ Company in 1912. Designed by John Calvin Stevens, the hall was renovated in 1997 to improve acoustics and modernize stage amenities. The venue hosts a variety of programming including Broadway touring productions, concerts, comedy acts, and dance performances. Its architecture features a historic proscenium stage layout with tiered seating. The facility is municipally owned and operated by the City of Portland as part of the Merrill Auditorium complex.
The main lobby staircase looking up toward the historic architectural details of the building entrance.
Check the venue's official calendar ahead of time as many events sell out weeks in advance.
Use the balcony seating for the best acoustic balance during orchestral performances.
Arrive early to view the intricate pipe work of the Kotzschmar Organ located on stage.
Do not attempt to park in the narrow City Hall side streets; use the nearby public parking garages instead.
Operations are tied to the performance calendar; the building is generally inaccessible to the public on non-event days.
Business casual is standard for evening performances; silence mobile devices before entering the house.
