Benedum Center-Performing Arts

Benedum Center is perhaps one of the grandest performance halls I've ever attended in the country. I love visiting this hall for musical performances, and I have missed it greatly since moving out of town. The lobby and hall are both opulent, with crystal chandeliers and marble floors. It's got one of the nation's largest stages, and the seating is enormous. The Benedum Center is truly the Broadway of the 'Burg. more

The Benedum Center deserves a standing ovation for its elegance, beauty, and grandeur. This Center boasts one of the largest stages in the United States. We have attended many performances of the Civic Light Opera there, as well as concert venues. Although not quite as intimate as the Heinz Hall down the block, it still commands rave reviews from performers nationwide. Off Broadway traveling shows make this spot a regular stop on their nationwide tours of the country. Everyone should see at least one theatrical show here to truly appreciate it. I highly recommend visiting it at least once. more

When I went to a performance here the atmosphere was somewhat old and dingy.The lighting is very dark and the seats in the theater are old and at some areas, threadbare.The center is a bit musty.The performance stage is good,though and they have some good performances. more

Benedum Center is truly one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Pittsburgh. I saw my first opera here and was absolutely blown away. The acoustics were phenomenal and the decor and architecture were breath-taking. Get dressed up and splurge on orchestra seats, it is well worth it! Off Broadway shows will occasionally perform here. more

I love to see musicals here. The atmosphere is great. The excitement of the patrons runs very high during the shows. It is great to see people dress up and go into the city for an evening of theater. This is like Pittsburgh's very own little Broadway. Located right in downtown and it is close to Trolley and bus service. more

We have visited the Benedum several times for performances. Beautiful inside and here are some BENEDUM CENTER FACTS from the website There are over 90 crystal chandeliers, torchieres and sconces in the theater, all but one are original. The Central Brass Company located in Reading, PA refurbished them. The Grand Lobby mirrors, marble and woodwork are all original. At the landing on each staircase in the Grand Lobby are 18-foot high original mirrors meant to be reminiscent of the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. The signature piece of the Benedum Center is the original main chandelier which weighs 4,700 pounds, is 20 feet high and 12 feet wide. It was restored in honor of the late H.J. Heinz II. Approximately 95% of the interior of the building is plaster. It took a fifteen person crew almost a full year to complete the plaster renovations. There are 1,500 feet of brass rail in the theater, most of which is original. On St. Patrick's Day in 1936, the theater flooded within two feet of the balcony. Several men were trapped for three days until police arrived in a motorboat and rescued them. The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts was named in honor of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, which made the largest contribution toward the restoration of the theater. The Benedum Center opened on Friday, September 25, 1987, with a show called Purely Pittsburgh. It was written by Dan Langen and produced by Mandy Levine. The show featured composers from Pittsburgh and performers with a Pittsburgh connection. In 1928, the Stanley cost $3 million to build. In 1987, the Benedum Center cost $43 million to restore. more