Cincinnati Music Hall
Cincinnati Music Hall
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
About
Built in 1878 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975, Cincinnati’s Music Hall is among the City’s most recognizable buildings. Impressive from the outside for its Victorian-gothic architecture, it’s arguably more remarkable on the inside as the home to the Cincinnati Opera (the nation’s second-oldest opera company), Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (the nation’s sixth-oldest symphony orchestra), May Festival (the longest-running choral festival in the Western hemisphere), and Cincinnati Ballet. Following a lengthy closure for extensive renovations during the 2016-17, Music Hall re-opened in October 2017 and has re-established itself as Cincinnati’s premiere special events and concert venue and an integral part of the vibrant Over-the-Rhine neighborhood in which it is located.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Cincinnati Music Hall
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
878 within 5 kms
Attractions
310 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
175 reviews
Excellent
135
Very good
35
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
0
tmazionsmith
Saint Paul, MN446 contributions
May 2023
My friend and I did a tour of the interior of Music Hall on a Saturday afternoon. I thought there might be a few other people, but there were actually 3 different groups because so many people signed up. I believe we had 10 in our group. Our guide was Denise; she was very knowledgeable about the building and it’s history. We got see several different areas of the building, as it actually has 3 sections. We even got to see the upper ballroom being set up for a prom that night. I’m not a local, but I still appreciated everything I learned and wished I’d been able to see a show there during my visit.
Written 2 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TWB
Cincinnati, OH2,484 contributions
Feb 2020
This was my first visit since renovations were complete; it turned out nice and though revitalization was necessary, I found it a much more magnificent place prior to. Swan Lake was great. Bar service fantastic; you can even preorder for intermission. Absolutely beautiful place and must visit if in Cincinnati if at all interested in arts and/or history.
Written 31 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pras499
Cincinnati, OH489 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Watched the Nutcracker ballet in Cincinnati Music Hall. Fantastic venue and clean. Little girls liked it also.
Written 29 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jabrd
Madeira, OH514 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
Terrific acoustics following the renovation. Excellent venue. All in all a great experience. Park underneath the adjoining park and grab a bite to eat among many in the neighborhood.
Written 2 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris R
Pittsburgh, PA25 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
While we were disappointed that we couldn't get inside the building, we really enjoyed seeing the building. It is a beautiful building!
Written 13 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Flabill2016
New Port Richey, FL14 contributions
Jul 2015
This is where they held our graduation from high school exercises, it also was next too the church that I was saved in 1958.
Written 9 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seva L
Richardson, TX148 contributions
Aug 2015
This is an old bier hall converted into a very fancy opera house. Current stage plays and special events are held here. The accoustics are phenomenal. You can stand at the front stage and talk in a normal voice and people way up in the balcony can hear you. There is a building attsched next door that can be rented out for weddings, etc. The day we were there a choir competition was going on. There are refreshments and bathrooms downstairs.
Written 29 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rob B
Florence, KY100 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
I see opera performances here a couple times a year and I've seen the symphony here a few times as well. It is, to me, the most beautiful building in Cincinnati by far, and one of the most beautiful I've seen anywhere. Not only outside, but also inside. Acoustics are great so it's easy to hear everywhere and there really isn't a bad seat in the house. The reason I dont give 5/5 is there is a serious lack of drink service. There is only one bar on the second floor and one on the first. During opera intermissions, people often don't even get through the line because it's so long. And there are no drinks allowed inside the auditorium so if you're able to get through the line quickly enough, you better finish your drink in a hurry. Setting up additional temporary bars certainly isn't difficult, and probably would add to revenue. But overall, this is a fantastic venue and I recommend it for any performance that suits your fancy.
Written 24 June 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin C
Cincinnati, OH1 contribution
Jan 2015 • Family
If asked to choose the gem of Cincinnati, I would most certainly select Music Hall in Over-the-Rhine. Even before entering this magnificent building, you are able to appreciate the beauty of its facade, with its looming red brick towers and tasteful glass windows. Immediately upon entering, though, the grandeur is astounding. The age of the hall becomes apparent with its lavish balconies, chandeliers, and various artworks. In the auditorium area itself, it is difficult to focus on the performance rather than the beautifully domed ceiling. The chairs, antique velvet, only add to the timeless mood of the hall.
The appearance of Music Hall is only one aspect of its brilliance. Rather than decay with age and face imminent vacancy, Music Hall is home to a plethora of events. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, and May Festival Chorus all use this hall to perform. Having attended numerous concerts myself at this venue, I can safely say that it is a perfect location for both somber Wagner operas and lively Beethoven symphonies.
This is not only a place for high-culture events, though. Children, teenagers, adults, and seniors can find something to enjoy. The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra has a program under the name of Lollipops, where they perform shortened concerts that can introduce such young audiences to the arts gracefully. I myself have helped at one of these concerts, showing young children how to properly hold a violin; the experience is wonderful. If a prospective attendee desired something a bit more casual, though, the summertime offers a major event that is dazzling. The ballet, CSO, and Pops all join forces to present Luminosity, an outdoor concert that has a spellbinding light show on the facade of music hall.
Whether a native Cincinnatian or a tourist, Music Hall is a staple among the places to visit in the Queen City. Housing both casual and formal events, it is a place where anyone can feel comfortable and at home.
The appearance of Music Hall is only one aspect of its brilliance. Rather than decay with age and face imminent vacancy, Music Hall is home to a plethora of events. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, and May Festival Chorus all use this hall to perform. Having attended numerous concerts myself at this venue, I can safely say that it is a perfect location for both somber Wagner operas and lively Beethoven symphonies.
This is not only a place for high-culture events, though. Children, teenagers, adults, and seniors can find something to enjoy. The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra has a program under the name of Lollipops, where they perform shortened concerts that can introduce such young audiences to the arts gracefully. I myself have helped at one of these concerts, showing young children how to properly hold a violin; the experience is wonderful. If a prospective attendee desired something a bit more casual, though, the summertime offers a major event that is dazzling. The ballet, CSO, and Pops all join forces to present Luminosity, an outdoor concert that has a spellbinding light show on the facade of music hall.
Whether a native Cincinnatian or a tourist, Music Hall is a staple among the places to visit in the Queen City. Housing both casual and formal events, it is a place where anyone can feel comfortable and at home.
Written 2 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bernie C
3 contributions
Dec 2014 • Couples
Disappointed in this very inappropriate and, and in my opinion, a very poor program that was not up to the usual standards for this annual concert. Would not attend this concert again.
Written 9 January 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As part of ArtsWave, there are a variety of free performances and tours on Sat Mar 24:
“Saturday, March 24 - Enjoy all these FREE events at Music Hall
Springer Auditorium Performance Schedule
10-10:40 a.m. – Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players: Dvorak Brass Quintet
11-11:40 a.m. – Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players: Sylvia Brahms Trio
Noon-12:40 p.m. – Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC)
1-1:40 p.m. – Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players: Fryxell Quintet
Lindner Grand Foyer
10-11 a.m. – Nouveau Chamber Players
11:10-11:30 a.m. – Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra ensemble: Allison Siekmann String Quartet
11:50 a.m.-12:50 p.m. – Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra ensemble: Jenny Gaffney String Quartet
1-1:50 p.m. – Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestra: Brass Quintet
Wilks Studio Performance Schedule
10-10:50 a.m. – Cincinnati Ballet, In Step interactive dance program
11-11:50 a.m. – Cincinnati Opera, Opera for All, featuring two singers and pianist
12:10-12:50 p.m. – CSO Neighborhood Connection Drum Circle
1:10-2 p.m. – CSO musician Tim Berens with Afro-beat musician Baoku Moses
Corbett Tower Performance Schedule
10 a.m.-2 p.m. – SPMH History Station
10-11:45 a.m. Music Lab: Kids and adults of all ages are welcome to learn how to make a sound on a variety of orchestral instruments like the violin, viola, cello, trumpet, and trombone.
Noon-12:15 p.m. – Prince Rooster: A narrator tells the tale of Prince Rooster with accompaniment by CSO musicians.
12:15-12:35 p.m. – Visit from the White Rabbit: A narrator tells the tale of the Visit from White Rabbit with accompaniment by CSO musicians.
12:35-1:30 p.m. – Bach & Boombox: Learn why modern musicians like AC/DC and Lil Pump owe Bach a big thank you.
1:30-2 p.m. – WWQ-Peter and the Wolf
May Festival Rehearsal Room Performance Schedule
10 a.m.-1 p.m. – May Festival Community Choir Open Rehearsal — join in and sing with the May Festival.
1-1:30 p.m. – May Festival Chamber Choir
1:30-2 p.m. – May Festival Youth Chorus
P&G Founders Room
10 a.m.-2 p.m. – CET’s Documentary, “Music Hall: The Next Movement” will be playing every half hour
Society for the Preservation of Music Hall volunteers will provide historical insights throughout the day at the following locations:
- Theodor Thomas Statue
- Ruben Springer Statue
- Corbett Tower”
Written 23 March 2018
Showing results 1-1 of 1
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing