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Moore Theatre: A Seattle Landmark

Experience Seattle's oldest theater, a historic landmark hosting diverse performances from concerts to theatrical productions in the heart of downtown.

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The Moore Theatre, Seattle's oldest active theater, has been a cultural jewel since 1907 [4, 6]. Located in the heart of downtown, it has hosted vaudeville, symphonies, rock concerts, and more, reflecting the city's diverse artistic spirit [4, 6, 8].

A brief summary to Moore Theatre

Local tips

  • Check the Moore Theatre's schedule in advance for a diverse range of events, from concerts to theatrical performances [2, 3].
  • Consider using public transportation or rideshare services, as parking can be limited and expensive [11, 16].
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts to allow time for parking and potential traffic [19].
  • Explore nearby attractions like Pike Place Market, located just a couple of blocks away [4, 11].
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Pike Place Market, walk north on 2nd Avenue for approximately two blocks [4, 11]. The Moore Theatre will be on your left, at the corner of 2nd Avenue and Virginia Street. This is a straightforward, relatively flat walk through the heart of downtown Seattle.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus routes serve the Moore Theatre area [12]. Check the Metro Trip Planner for the best route from your location [11]. Many buses stop along 3rd Avenue, a short walk to the theater [12, 16]. The Light Rail also has stops within walking distance [12]. A single adult fare typically costs $3 [17, 20].

  • Taxi/Rideshare

    Request a taxi or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) to 1932 2nd Ave, Seattle [17, 16]. The drop-off point is directly in front of the theater's main doors [11, 16]. A short ride within downtown Seattle typically costs $10-$20 [17, 18].

  • Driving

    Drive to the vicinity of 1932 2nd Ave, Seattle. Note that the Moore Theatre does not have its own parking lot [11, 19]. Several parking garages are nearby, including the Securities Building Garage at 1922 3rd Ave [7, 11]. Parking rates typically range from $10-$25 for a few hours, but can be higher during events [7]. Metered street parking is also available, free on Sundays [11, 15, 19].

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Discover more about Moore Theatre

The Moore Theatre, situated at 1932 2nd Ave in Seattle, stands as a testament to the city's rich cultural history [2]. Opened in 1907, it is the oldest still-active theater in Seattle, predating the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition of 1909 for which it was partially designed to accommodate tourists [4, 5, 8, 9]. Real estate developer James A. Moore built the theater and the adjoining Moore Hotel to create a lavish social venue [4, 5, 8]. The theater's design, by E.W. Houghton, was innovative for its time, featuring a state-of-the-art electrical system and a steel-girder structure that eliminated the need for view-obstructing support columns [4, 5, 9]. The interior was decorated in Byzantine and Italianate styles, offering a luxurious experience for patrons [5, 9]. Originally, the theater seated 2,436, but it now accommodates around 1,800 [4]. The Moore's stage has welcomed a wide array of performances, from vaudeville and symphonies to rock concerts and lectures [4, 5, 6, 8, 13]. In 1971, The Who's rock opera Tommy made its world debut on the Moore stage [5]. The theater also played a significant role in Seattle's grunge scene, hosting bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam [5, 6]. The Moore Theatre and Hotel were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 [4, 5, 9, 13]. During the mid-1970s, it was briefly known as the Moore Egyptian and served as the original home of the Seattle International Film Festival [5, 8, 9]. A segregated entrance for Black patrons, a relic of the past, can still be seen around the corner from the main entrance [4, 9]. Today, the Moore continues to host a variety of events, including concerts, theatrical productions, and educational programs [4, 6, 13].

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