10 Reasons to Visit Steinmetz Hall: One of the Most Beautiful Theaters in the World
A floating theater that transforms to host Diana Ross, wrestling rings & Ukrainian Ballet
Steinmetz Hall is located inside the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando. The theater is turning three on January 14, 2025 and celebrates that many years of acoustic perfection and innovation.
From the cork floors to the cherry millwork and the copper handrails—every detail was meticulously designed to promote sound movement and create a welcoming experience for all.
This breathtaking venue is a must-see! Let us inspire your next visit…
1. Steinmetz Hall is one of the world’s only multiform configurated theaters
Steinmetz Hall can change in shape, sound and seating with a one-million pound orchestral shell that moves on tracks, reconfiguring the hall from a 1,500-seat proscenium theater into a 1,700-seat concert hall in just 10 minutes. Since opening, Steinmetz Hall has tracked 33 different seating configurations!
Watch the transformation.
2. The venue floats!
To achieve its N1 perfect rating, the hall is surrounded by an exterior concrete frame and built on top of a floating concrete foundation. More than 400 18-inch rubber and steel isolation pads are placed between the hall and its foundation to create an acoustic air gap that absorbs and deadens sound from traffic and other ambient noise. This is the same material that is used on suspension bridges. The architecture allows audiences to experience musicians at their full potential. The natural acoustics of Steinmetz Hall allow performances by Opera Orlando, for example, to be clearly heard without the need for amplification.
3. Steinmetz Hall's design was created with hand-picked details
Creating Steinmetz Hall was a labor of love. Just like Dr. Phillips Center, Steinmetz Hall was designed to be welcoming and inclusive. All the metal detail in Steinmetz Hall is copper, considered to be the “people’s metal.” All surfaces including the cork floors, cherry millwork and automated acoustic fabric curtains, were designed and chosen to promote sound movement from the stage for a seamless and immersive experience for all.
4. The concert hall is acoustically remarkable
Steinmetz Hall was meticulously designed to achieve a perfect N1 acoustic rating. N1 is the lowest level at which humans can detect sound (18 decibels, if you’re wondering.) This means guests can enjoy a range of incredible performances—with or without amplification.
Learn more about the design process.
5. You’ll have the best seat in the house, anywhere in the space
No matter what configuration the room is in, every seat was designed to create a vibrant and intimate performance environment. Whether you’re at the orchestra level (ground floor) or in the upper tier (fourth level), you’ll be able to hear performances by Opera Orlando just as clearly.
6. Steinmetz Hall transforms into Orlando’s largest event space
When the orchestra level seating is converted to a flat floor, Steinmetz Hall accommodates over 600 people, creating Downtown Orlando’s largest event space. Since opening, Steinmetz Hall has hosted 46 events including weddings, banquets, graduations, conferences, galas, award ceremonies, filming, holiday parties and even a wrestling match—making it one of the world’s most versatile spaces.
Katherine McPhee made a special appearance at the arts center’s 10th Anniversary donor event. In addition, Dr. Phillips Center has hosted weddings, receptions, holiday parties, corporate meetings and much more.
7. Experience unique performances and world-renowned artists
In 2023, Dr. Phillips Center created the Residency Festival which paired up the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with the likes of Beck, Harry Connick Jr., Diana Ross and others, creating six one-of-a-kind concert experiences.
This year, you can experience the 24/25 Great Orchestra Series, which includes three of the world’s most celebrated orchestras, Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (which performed back in November), the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra, as well as Lang Lang in Recital as a special addition.
8. It’s one of the most beautiful theaters in the world
Steinmetz Hall is among the most innovative and technologically-advanced concert halls, and in 2023, Architectural Digest named it one of “The 11 Most Beautiful Theaters in the World.”
9. Local artists and performers call Steinmetz Hall home
Orlando is full of talented performers, who frequently perform at Steinmetz Hall. This includes the Orlando Ballet, Opera Orlando and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra’s official seasons. Additionally, every April, the University of Central Florida showcases their talent during a two-week residency, UCF Celebrates the Arts.
10. It’s a space for every audience
Because of its flexibility, Steinmetz Hall can host a variety of performances. To date, 460 performances have taken place inside the venue, including dance, musical, classical, opera, theater, comedy, family programming and films. See a full list of upcoming shows happening at Steinmetz Hall and choose your favorite!
Upcoming Performances at Steinmetz Hall
Click here to see all upcoming performances in Steinmetz Hall.
Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra Presents
Jurassic Park Film with Orchestra
January 31 & February 1, 2025 | Steinmetz Hall | 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Phillips Center Presents
Michael Feinstein in Because of You
My Tribute to Tony Bennett
Featuring the Carnegie Hall Ensemble
February 2, 2025 | Steinmetz Hall | 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Phillips Center Presents
in Association with AEG Presents
Gladys Knight
March 11, 2025 | Steinmetz Hall | 7:30 p.m.
Lifting Voices at Dr. Phillips Center supported by TD Bank
Dr. Phillips Center Presents
Lang Lang in Recital
The 2024/25 Great Orchestra Series Add-On
March 5, 2025 | Steinmetz Hall | 7:30 p.m.