The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is a life-size arena where a number of different artists come and perform various different forms of "performing arts-" a term that started being used from the year 1711. Architect Rafael Vinoly at the end of a fifteen-year project completed the Center. This massive structure is estimated to have cost around 265$ million dollars to build.

The idea for the Kimmel Center originated in the year 1996 with the amalgamation of the needs of two different entities. The mayor at that point of time wanted to build a venue where some of the best performing artists could put up their act. Coincidentally, at that point of time, the Philadelphia Orchestra was also looking at a place which they could call home. The Regional Performing Arts Center was born as a result of the merger of the two ideas.

The unique thing about the Kimmel Center is the glass ceiling. Numerous visitors come and take free tours of the Center, which is open on all seven days of the week and is amongst Philadelphia's more well liked sites. The Kimmel Center has three main parts - Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater and the Dorrance H. Hamilton Roof Garden.

The Verizon Hall is the key performance hall with a seating capacity of 2500. The Perelman Theater consists of a turntable stage with a 75 feet diameter and has a capacity of 650. This place is often used for recitals besides containing an orchestra pit and a fly-loft. The Roof Garden is built directly above the Perelman Theater.

The Kimmel Center for performing arts has 4 halls where various cultural events are held. The centre consists of the 2500 seat-capacity Verizon Hall, 650 seat capacity Perelman Theater, Merck Arts Education Centre and Innovation Studio. The centre plays host to events such as jazz, pop, Broadway, and other dancing events.

The Kimmel Centre for performing arts tours

There are free tours offered from Tuesday to Sunday 1.00pm but at first-come-first-served basis. This tour explores the Perelman Theater and Verizon Hall. There is another Art Architecture tour every Saturday at 10.30 am but no theaters are visited.

Points to note when planning tours to Kimmel Centre for performing arts

- Register with centre at the information desk, or call at 215-790-5800 or through their website

http://www.kimmelcenter.org/.

- Punctuality is important as they usually have a limit of the number of people that are accommodated per tour. Thus, the earlier the better.

- Carry writing materials, recording equipments or a camera as it may be hard to grasp all information at once.

- If an out-of-state visitor, its advisable to seek accommodation from the various hotels around the centre as most of them offer very favorable Philadelphia hotel deals

http://www.philadelphiausa.travel/philadelphia-listing_info.php?wid=KIM002

http://www.kimmelcenter.org/facilities/rentals.php

The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts is a theatrical complex owned by the Kimmel Center Inc., a charitable organization. It consists of a number of theaters which hold shows belonging to different types of fine arts. The complex includes Verizon Hall, Perelman Theatre, Merck Art Education Center and Innovation Studio. Along with the Academy of Music, the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts is the home center for eight fine art companies.

http://www.kimmelcenter.org/about/

1. How do I plan my visit to the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts?

This theatrical complex has a lot of amenities. A happening place, there are gift shops, dining places, rental venues for private occasions and a lot more.

http://www.kimmelcenter.org/planning/

2. What are the facilities offered by the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts?

Apart from a venue for watching entertainment shows, this theatre plaza gives you the venue to host your own private parties, concerts and shows. The Center satiates the taste buds of its guests with food from Restaurant Associates, an award winning catering company.

http://www.kimmelcenter.org/facilities/rentals.php

3. What are the educational programs offered by the Kimmel Center?

Those of you who are interested in pursuing theatrical education can always depend upon the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts for some quality educational programs. They have free interactive classes and guided tours for their students. Perelman Theatre and Verizon Hall hold student matinee shows.

http://www.kimmelcenter.org/education/

4. Does Kimmel Center hire volunteers?

The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts welcomes volunteers. You have to submit your resume with them. You can also take up a career with the theatre complex by applying for its listed job vacancies. You can also take membership of this theatre for supporting its cause.

http://www.kimmelcenter.org/careers/

Philadelphia hotels near Kimmel Center for Performing Arts

Doubletree Hotel Philadelphia [0 miles NE]

http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/PHLBLDT-Doubletree-Hotel-Philadelphia-Pennsylvania/index.do

Park Hyatt Philadelphia Bellevue [0.1miles NE]

http://parkphiladelphia.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp

The Independent Hotel [0.1miles NE]

http://www.theindependenthotel.com/

Alexander Inn [0.2miles SE]

http://www.alexanderinn.com/