Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh

The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts is Raleigh’s premier venue for the performing arts, offering a diverse range of cultural experiences in the heart of the city. Located at the southern end of Fayetteville Street, the center comprises several distinct spaces: Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Meymandi Concert Hall, A. J. Fletcher Opera Theater, Kennedy Theater, and Lichtin Plaza.

Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, originally opened in 1932, serves as the cornerstone of the complex. Replacing the city's earlier City Auditorium that burned down in 1930, this Greek Revival structure complements the architectural style of the nearby North Carolina State Capitol. Over the years, it underwent several renovations, with a major refurbishment in 1990 that introduced a modern glass concourse and lobby. With a seating capacity of 2,277, it frequently hosts large-scale musicals, concerts, and events.

Meymandi Concert Hall, a 1,700-seat venue, features a classic shoebox design renowned for its acoustics, making it the perfect home for the North Carolina Symphony. Named in honor of the mother of Dr. Assad Meymandi, a prominent Raleigh physician and philanthropist, this hall is a testament to the city’s commitment to fostering world-class musical performances.

A. J. Fletcher Opera Theater is an intimate 600-seat space named after Alfred Johnston Fletcher, a local broadcasting pioneer. It provides a welcoming atmosphere for opera, ballet, and other smaller-scale performances, offering audiences a closer connection to the stage.

Kennedy Theater is a versatile black-box theater with seating for 150. With its 40x60-foot stage, this venue is perfect for experimental productions and nontraditional performances. It is named in honor of K.D. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Sara Lynn, are both longstanding supporters of the Raleigh arts community.

Lichtin Plaza is a 2-acre green space in front of the complex, ideal for outdoor events and gatherings. Named after Harold Lichtin, a prominent commercial real estate developer in the region, the plaza adds a touch of openness and versatility to the performing arts center.

Together, these venues make the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts a vibrant hub for artistic expression, cultural enrichment, and community engagement in Raleigh.