Academy of Music and Philadelphia

The Academy of Music or the American Academy of Music is a famous concert hall and opera house in Philadelphia. Built in 1855, it is the country's oldest opera house which is still used for the original purpose. The academy is also known as the 'Grand Old Lady of Broad Street' and is home of the Opera Company of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Ballet.

The Academy of Music as a historic landmark

The Academy of Music at Philadelphia is both a historic landmark and a current focus of the city's cultural life. It is one of the oldest opera house of the US and one of the world's busiest halls hosting a number of cultural activities and community functions. The Philadelphia Orchestra Association is the owner of the Academy and it is managed by the Kimmel center for Performing Arts.

Interior of the Academy

The interior of the Academy consists of a hall with a magnificent crystal chandelier. The chandelier originally had 240 gas burners which were electrified in 1900. The proscenium arch is majestically crowned by a bust of Mozart. The figure of Poetry is seated above left and the figure of Music on the above right of the bust. There are exquisite gilded and carved wood sculptural decorations throughout the hall. The ceiling murals are painted with allegorical figures.

Location

The Academy of Music is located at Philadelphia's Brood and Locust Street at the heart of the Avenue of the Arts. This is a premier arts district of Philadelphia.

The Academy of Music Now

Today, the main hall of the Academy of Music has a seating capacity of 2,897 people which is constantly used for operas, ballets, concerts and other events. The Ballroom has a capacity of 350 people. You can tour the academy during your Phildelphia travel and obtain schedules by contacting the manager's office.

http://www.academyofmusic.org/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academy_of_Music_(Philadelphia)