A place for everyone

Built in 1912 to replace two former halls both destroyed by fire, City Hall Auditorium was a classic example of colonial style, boasting porticos and columns, a deep court and large wings.   Cyrus Curtis, a publishing tycoon, donated the Kotzschmar Memorial Organ, a celebrated instrument with 5,000 pipes of varying sizes that was incorporated into the stage.  Many famous performers have graced the auditorium stage, including John Philip Sousa, Arthur Fiedler, George Gershwin, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Vladimir Horowitz, La Scala Grand Opera Company, Jessye Norman, Marilyn Horne, James Galway, Alvin Ailey, Itzhak Perlman, Van Cliburn, Ray Charles, Bruce Hornsby and Garrison Keiller.  Although minor improvements and major renovations occurred in the 1960's, the auditorium continued to be haunted by dismal acoustics and poor sightlines.  Plans proposed by Winton Scott Architects were accepted and renovations began in January 1996.

Today, the re-named Merrill Auditorium is a 1900 seat performing arts facility, located in beautiful downtown Portland, Maine.  In less than two years since its grand re-opening, Merrill Auditorium has established itself as one of the premier performing arts centers in the country.  During its first full year of operation over 130 events were presented to 175,000 guests.  These events covered a broad range of the performing arts including the Portland Symphony Orchestra, PCA Great Performances with names such as Isaac Stern and James Galway, rock n' roll, jazz, comedy, blues, children's programming and of course topped off with Broadway productions.  There is also a strong community usage as well with graduations, dance recitals and lectures.  Merrill Auditorium has reached two of its goals - to present a thriving mix of programming and to become a true community center, part of the fabric of the community.