Abravanel Hall, Salt Lake City

Abravanel Hall, a distinguished concert hall in Salt Lake City, serves as the home of the Utah Symphony and stands as a centerpiece within the Salt Lake County Center for the Arts. Located near Temple Square and the Salt Palace on South Temple Street, this architectural landmark can accommodate 2,811 patrons. Originally opened as Symphony Hall in September 1979, it was renamed in 1993 in honor of Maurice Abravanel, the beloved conductor of the Utah Symphony.

Abravanel Hall’s design journey was guided by a committee that included Abravanel himself, alongside philanthropists O.C. Tanner and Jack Gallivan, with the architectural vision led by Bob Fowler of FFKR Architects and acoustical expertise by Dr. Cyril M. Harris. Harris, known for his work on major halls like Avery Fisher Hall and the Kennedy Center, helped shape the hall's renowned acoustics. Modeled after famed concert halls like the Musikverein in Vienna, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and Boston’s Symphony Hall, Abravanel Hall’s rectangular shape, sound lock corridors, and unique acoustical features—like the absence of a proscenium and special encouragement for bass players to allow their instruments to resonate with the stage—create an acoustically excellent environment.

The lobby is a showstopper in its own right, spanning four stories with a striking white oak and brass ceiling. A vast glass curtain on the East face provides an open view of the city, while the lobby’s triangular shape, multi-tiered staircases, and gold leaf accents add an air of grandeur. At the heart of the lobby stands a stunning 30-foot-high red glass sculpture, "The Olympic Tower" by Dale Chihuly.

In addition to its role as a cultural venue, Abravanel Hall has hosted events like the 2002 Olympics Arts Festival, affirming its status as an architectural and cultural gem in Salt Lake City’s arts scene.