Since Orchestra Hall opened in 1974, as many as 10 million people have passed through its doors to attend more than 4,000 concerts. The modern look of the Hall, with its simple lines and glass, brick and steel exterior, offered a marked departure from the old-world opulence of many concert halls. It was designed to emphasize the concert experience rather than the building itself. "Part of the magic is that the building was designed to deformalize concert-going," explains architect Hugh Hardy, most recently known for designing the renovation of Radio City Music Hall. Orchestra Hall features a ring of open "tiers" in the concert hall and a series of colorful flying bridges in the lobby to bring people together. "Here, everyone comes together, with no hierarchy, no need to dress up," says Hardy.

Orchestra Hall is particularly renowned for its acoustics, designed by Cyril Harris, with each design feature carefully planned to enhance the warmth and richness of sound in the space. Over 100 large cubes form a "falling rock" pattern on the auditorium ceiling to deflect sound throughout the Hall. The wood floor and stage allow for better sound vibration, and the angle of the balconies offers optimal reflection of sound. Actually, Orchestra Hall consists of two buildings: a rectangular-shaped auditorium, and a glass and steel supporting structure (housing the lobby and administrative offices) that is separated from the auditorium by a one-inch gap to free the concert hall from any outside sound. The result is an acoustically brilliant space, designed for a superb concert going experience.

The Orchestra Hall lobby opens up to Peavey Plaza, a city-owned park that features angular waterfalls and a beautiful reflecting pool. Orchestra Hall becomes a community focal point in the summer, when the Orchestra's summer music festival spills outdoors onto the Plaza.

During the winter, Peavey Plaza is home to a glittering ice skating rink and an ideal vantage point from which to watch the Holidazzle Parade in December.