Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall

The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on SW Broadway is the home of the Oregon Symphony, one of the better regional orchestras in the United States. The hall seats around 2,800 and is used for classical concerts, touring performers, and large events. The restored 1928 interior is ornate — heavy plasterwork, gilded surfaces, a large chandelier — and acoustically well regarded.

The venue is part of the Portland'5 Centers for the Arts complex, which also includes Keller Auditorium (home of Portland Opera and the Oregon Ballet Theatre) and several smaller stages nearby. The Oregon Symphony's season runs September through May; tickets are available online and at the box office. The building's exterior PORTLAND sign is one of the city's most photographed landmarks.

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The building was constructed in 1928 as the Portland Public Auditorium, then became the Paramount Theatre as a movie palace. By the 1980s it had closed and faced demolition. Philanthropist Arlene Schnitzer donated $1 million towards its restoration in 1984, and the renovated hall reopened as the home of the Oregon Symphony. The original Italian Renaissance interior was largely preserved, including the elaborate plasterwork, the Wurlitzer organ, and the vast vintage marquee sign that still reads PORTLAND in large block letters on SW Broadway.

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