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The Music Hall: A Seacoast Landmark

Experience world-class performances in a beautifully restored, historic theater in the heart of downtown Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

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The Music Hall, located in Portsmouth, NH, is a historic theater that has been a cultural hub since 1878. It hosts a variety of performances, including music, theater, comedy, and film, attracting over 130,000 visitors annually. With its rich history and vibrant programming, The Music Hall continues to be a vital part of the Seacoast community.

A brief summary to The Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH

Local tips

  • Arrive early to find parking, as spaces in downtown Portsmouth can be limited.
  • Check the Music Hall's website for a full schedule of events and to purchase tickets in advance.
  • Consider taking the C&J Bus Lines from Boston or New York City directly to Portsmouth.
  • Explore the vibrant downtown Portsmouth area before or after the show, with its many restaurants, pubs, and shops.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Market Square, walk east on Congress Street, then turn right onto Chestnut Street. The Music Hall will be on your left, a short walk from the heart of downtown Portsmouth. This is a pleasant and direct walk, allowing you to enjoy the city's historic architecture and vibrant atmosphere.

  • Public Transport

    The COAST bus Route 41 (Lafayette Road Trolley) stops near The Music Hall at Court / Mark Streets. Check the COAST Transportation Alliance website for the most up-to-date schedules and route information. A single ride fare is typically around $1.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in downtown Portsmouth, a taxi or ride-share service like Uber or Lyft will provide a quick and convenient ride to The Music Hall. A short trip within downtown Portsmouth typically costs between $6 and $15, depending on the distance and demand. Taxi stands are available in Market Square.

  • Driving

    From Interstate 95, take Exit 7 to Market Street Extension. Turn east toward downtown Portsmouth. Take the third right onto Hanover Street, then follow signs for public parking. Several parking garages and surface lots are available within walking distance of The Music Hall, including the Foundry Place Garage and the High-Hanover Garage. Parking rates typically range from $1.50 to $3 per hour.

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Discover more about The Music Hall, Portsmouth, NH

The Music Hall, located at 28 Chestnut Street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, stands as a testament to the city's vibrant cultural history. Opened in 1878 as a Vaudeville theater, it has evolved into a premier arts venue, showcasing a diverse range of performances from music concerts and Broadway shows to film screenings and literary events. The Music Hall is considered the oldest operating theater in New Hampshire and the 14th-oldest in the United States. In its early years, The Music Hall brought opera, drama, dance, and vaudeville to the community. Prominent figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Frederick Douglass once graced its stage. In 1901, local politician and ale brewer Frank Jones renovated the theater, adding the proscenium arch and opera boxes that remain today. During this time, The Music Hall became a popular destination for Broadway shows touring from New York City. After a period of decline between the World Wars, The Music Hall was purchased in 1945 and renamed The Civic, serving as a movie house for four decades. In the mid-1980s, a group of concerned citizens formed The Friends of The Music Hall to save the theater from demolition, transforming it into a nonprofit center for the arts. Today, The Music Hall features two performance spaces: the 895-seat Historic Theater and the 120-seat Music Hall Lounge. It continues to enrich the Seacoast community by inspiring, educating, and connecting audiences of all ages.

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