Cornish Playhouse: A Seattle Center Gem
Experience world-class performing arts at the historic Cornish Playhouse in Seattle Center, home to diverse theatrical and artistic events.
The Cornish Playhouse, situated in the heart of Seattle Center, stands as a testament to the city's commitment to arts and culture [4, 5]. Constructed for the 1962 World's Fair, it has evolved into a dynamic hub for performing arts, operated by Cornish College of the Arts [5, 6, 9]. The Playhouse offers a rich tapestry of experiences, showcasing both student productions and professional performances from various community partners [4, 5]. The Playhouse boasts a 434-seat main auditorium, providing an intimate setting for audiences to connect with the art on stage [9, 10, 18]. In addition to the main stage, the complex includes the Alhadeff Studio Theater, a flexible black-box space that can accommodate smaller, more experimental performances [5, 10]. The Playhouse also features a spacious lobby and courtyard, making it suitable for a variety of events [18, 19]. Beyond its architectural significance, the Cornish Playhouse plays a vital role in nurturing emerging artists [3, 5, 9]. Through its Artist Incubator Residencies, the Playhouse provides free space for artists to create and test new work, contributing to the vibrancy of Seattle's arts scene [4]. Visitors can also explore the surrounding Queen Anne neighborhood, known for its charming shops, cafes, and stunning views of the Seattle skyline [3].
Local tips
- Arrive early to explore the theater's architecture and secure a good seat [3].
- Check the schedule for student performances for unique and affordable entertainment [3].
- Explore the surrounding Queen Anne neighborhood for local dining options [3].
- Consider attending a matinee performance for a more relaxed experience [3].
A brief summary to Cornish Playhouse
- 201 Mercer St, Seattle, Queen Anne, Washington, 98109, US
- +1206-726-5163
- Visit website
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown Seattle, the Cornish Playhouse is easily accessible via the Seattle Center Monorail [4, 11, 12]. The Monorail departs from Westlake Center (5th and Pine Street) every 10 minutes and arrives at Seattle Center near the Space Needle [4]. From the Seattle Center Monorail station, walk southeast towards 2nd Ave N, then turn left onto Mercer Street. The Cornish Playhouse will be on your right [3]. A one-way fare on the Monorail is $4.00 for adults [11]. Alternatively, several Metro buses serve the Seattle Center area [4, 12]. Check the King County Metro Trip Planner for the most up-to-date routes and schedules [4].
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Walking
From the Space Needle, walk south towards the Seattle Center Armory, then continue south towards the International Fountain [3]. Head east towards 2nd Ave N, then turn left onto Mercer Street. Walk for approximately 3 minutes until you reach the Cornish Playhouse at 201 Mercer Street [3]. The walk is approximately 10 minutes [3].
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Driving
When driving to the Cornish Playhouse, use 201 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109 as your destination [3, 15]. Several paid parking lots are available near Seattle Center, including the 5th Avenue N. Garage and the Mercer Street Garage [2, 4, 12]. Parking rates vary, but typically range from $6 for up to an hour, $13 for up to 2 hours, $15 for up to 12 hours, and $30 for up to 24 hours [2]. Event parking rates may range from $20 to $45 [2]. Metered street parking is also available, but may be limited [4].
