Academy of Music

The Academy of Music, located on South Broad Street in Philadelphia's City Center West, is the oldest continuously operating opera house in the United States. Opened in 1857, this National Historic Landmark features a stunning horseshoe-shaped auditorium with five tiers of seating, a massive crystal chandelier, and intricate gold leaf details. Today, it serves as the home of the Opera Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Ballet, hosting a wide range of performances from classical concerts to Broadway shows. Visitors are often awed by the opulent interior, which includes a grand lobby with marble columns and a ceiling painted with allegorical figures. The acoustics are renowned, making it a favorite among performers and audiences alike. Guided tours are available, offering behind-the-scenes access to the stage, dressing rooms, and the historic organ.

Don't miss

• Admire the grand chandelier and gold-leafed ceiling in the auditorium
• Take a guided tour to see the stage, dressing rooms, and organ
• Attend a performance by Opera Philadelphia or Pennsylvania Ballet
• Explore the historic lobby with its marble columns and frescoes
• Photograph the ornate exterior on South Broad Street

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Academy of Music

Cheapest way inHistoric Sites of Philadelphia Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour4.5★ · 30 travelers1-2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$9 per personSee dates →Most bookedDark Philly Adult Night Tour4.9★ · 4,446 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$38 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate 2-hour Founding Fathers Tour of Philadelphia4.6★ · 24 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$175 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Dress code varies; most patrons wear business casual or formal for evening performances.
• Silence phones and refrain from photography during performances.
• The venue has bars and concession stands; intermissions are about 20 minutes.
• Parking can be expensive; use public transit or ride-sharing.

A bit of history

Designed by architect Napoleon Le Brun, the Academy of Music opened in 1857 as a venue for opera and orchestral performances. It has hosted countless legendary artists, including Marian Anderson, Luciano Pavarotti, and the Philadelphia Orchestra until 2001. The building survived a fire in 1871 and was restored to its original splendor.