McCaw Hall in Seattle is a venue largely dedicated to the Seattle Opera and Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB). It is located on the far north side of Seattle Center. McCaw Hall is perhaps best known by local residents as home of the “Nutcracker” put on by PNB each year.
Aside from providing a home for a vital facet of Seattle’s arts scene, this venue is a work of art in its own right. Especially the Kreielsheimer Promenade, a passageway leading into McCaw Hall decked out with artwork by lighting artist Leni Schwendinger and water features by Gustafson Guthrie Nichol.
Fully titled the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, this venue was completed in 2003 and is a renovation of the former Seattle Opera House. The renovation didn’t just spiff up an old building, but instead is almost an entirely new building, retaining only highlights of what was here before. About 70 percent of the original opera house was replaced or upgraded in the renovation.
On the site where McCaw Hall stands today has been some sort of arts venue since the late 1800s, including the Civic Auditorium, which stood here from 1927. It was upgraded for the 1962 World’s Fair—the same one that brought Key Arena and the Space Needle into existence.
Location
McCaw Hall
321 Mercer Street
Seattle, WA 98109-4600
Phone: (206) 733-9725
Events and Concerts
McCaw Hall’s most famous event is surely the “Nutcracker” by PNB. While the ballet itself is famous, PNB’s performance of it has garnered world-wide attention and has been on stage since December 1983. McCaw Hall also plays host to other PNB ballets and is home to the Seattle Opera as well.
This venue has a wilder side, too. Given that it is located in Seattle Center, it frequently joins in festivals held at the center. Bumbershoot, the Northwest Folklife Festival, and Seattle International Children’s Festival all often have evens on McCaw Hall’s stages.
In addition to performances here, visitors can also join in free tours on the first Tuesday of each month. Call the venue at 206-733-9725 to register or get more information.
Tickets and Seating
Tickets for McCaw Hall events can be purchased through Ticketmaster, at the box offices of PNB (at 301 Mercer Street) and the Seattle Opera (1020 John Street), and at the McCaw Hall box office located in the promenade, which opens before each show.
McCaw Hall has several different seating charts, but seating is generally divided into seats located on the main floor, two levels of tier seating in the balconies, as well as tiered box seats, and a dress circle.
Parking and Directions
To get to McCaw Hall, from either north- or south-bound I-5, take the Mercer Street exit. At the first light, turn right. Turn left onto Valley Street. Valley will turn into Broad Street. Turn right after the over pass. Take a right onto 5th Avenue. Turn left onto Roy Street. Turn left onto 2nd Avenue. Turn left onto Mercer Street.
McCaw Hall is located directly across from the Mercer Street garage, which ranges in price from $5 to $15. If the garage is full or you’d like a cheaper option, there are many paid lots around Seattle Center managed by private parking companies.
Things to do Near McCaw Hall
With a location right in the Seattle Center, there are plenty of things to do nearby without even having to leave Seattle Center. Check out EMP, grab a snack or a cheap meal in the Center House, or spend some time at the Pacific Science Center.
All around Seattle Center are also many restaurants ranging from cheap eats to fine dining. Fine dining choices include the Melting Pot on Mercer (which has an affordable happy hour) and SeaStar on Denny Way.
Mid-level choices include McMenamin’s, Floyd’s Place, and Buckley’s. Other than the restaurants in Center House, Dick’s Drive-In and Taco Bell are close by. For a special treat, head to Top Pot Donuts, which is about a six-block walk away, but has some of the best donuts in the area.
