The Moore Theatre is one of four venues managed by the Seattle Theatre Group (STG), which also oversees the Paramount Seattle and Neptune Theatre.
The Moore has 1,419 seats and puts on a variety of shows, musical performances and other events. It’s located right in the heart of downtown Seattle, just two blocks from Pike Place Market, with many things to do near the theatre.
Location
The Moore Theatre
1932 2nd Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101-1102
Phone: (206) 467-5510
Events
The Moore Theatre tends to focus on alternative shows, whether local or international. At Christmas, the Moore has played host to Black Nativity, a Seattle tradition that has also appeared at the Intiman Theatre. Other events at this theatre include comedians and lectures, the Seattle Rock Orchestra, and musical performers.
During most shows, there is a bar at the venue that opens an hour before performances and during intermissions.
Another way to explore the theatre is to go on one of the free tours offered monthly. These take place the second Saturday of each month and last 90 minutes. Join the tour at the main entrance at 2nd and Virginia.
Tickets and Seating
Tickets for Moore Theatre events are available via Ticketmaster, through STG’s website, and via phone at 1-877-784-4849.
Seating at this venue is divided into balcony and main floor seating. The main floor has rows A through Z and then YY and ZZ after that. The main floor also has “box” seating on each side, but these sections are not elevated. There is no elevator to the balcony here, so for wheelchairs or others who cannot climb the stairs, request seating on the main floor.
Parking and Directions
To get to the Moore Theatre from south-bound I-5, take the Stewart Street exit and take Stewart to 1st Avenue. Turn right on 1st. Turn right on Virginia. The Moore Theatre is on your right.
To get to the Moore Theatre from north-bound I-5, take the Seneca Street exit on the left of the freeway. Follow Seneca to 1st Avenue. Turn right on 1st Avenue. Turn right on Virginia. The theatre is on your right.
These directions will put you in front of the theatre, but be aware that the Moore does not have its own parking lot. To park, look to either street parking or one of the many pay lots nearby. Street parking is likely not your best choice due to time constraints, but is free on Sundays. There are pay lots close to the theatre—one at 3rd Avenue and Stewart Street, another between Virginia and Stewart on 4th. If these are full, there are many other pay lots on surrounding streets.
Things to do Near the Moore Theatre
Since the Moore Theatre is located right downtown, there are many restaurants and things to do nearby. Pike Place Market is within walking distance as is the main shopping area of downtown around 5th Avenue and Pine.
Dining out before or after a show is perhaps the most popular complementary activity. If you want a nicer, sit-down dinner, look to Buenos Aires Grill at 220 Virginia Street or El Gaucho at 2505 1st Avenue. There are an abundance of cheap eats in Seattle, too. Cheap restaurants within a two-block radius include pizza at Serious Pie (316 Virginia Street), Mama’s Mexican Kitchen (2234 Second Avenue), and Pike Place Bar & Grill (90 Pike Street). There are many other options nearby as well, and many lounges and cafes if you just want a drink or a snack.
Moore Theatre History
Much like the 5th Avenue Theatre and the Paramount, the Moore is part of Seattle’s history, but this theatre is even older than the other two—the oldest theatre in all of Seattle. It was built in 1907 and helped establish 2nd Avenue as the theatre district. The theatre hosted all the great Vaudeville acts of its day during the 20s, and boomed during the 30s with many world-famous performers such as the Barrymores making appearances. However, for a great deal of its existence, the Moore Theatre struggled either financially or in finding a niche for itself, despite being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Not until the 1980s did this Seattle theatre really establish itself as what it is today—a home for local events and often alternative touring performances of many sorts.
