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Sanders Theatre

45 Quincy Street, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
617-496-2222
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Ranked #5 of 45 attractions in Cambridge
Type: Theaters
4 visitor photos
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25 reviews from our community

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Boston, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
98 reviews 98 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
43 helpful votes 43 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 29, 2013

I've had a chance to perform in AND attend concerts at Sanders Theatre, and from both ends it's a great space. It feels like a re-imagined amphitheater. Acoustically, it's a bit of an oddity-- bass doesn't carry very well in here for some reason. But that's just something else that contributes to the uniqueness. I would absolutely recommend attending a... More

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See 6 more reviews by fenchurch128 for Cambridge
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
12 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 11, 2013

If you like the Victorian era, or the smell of 19th-century carved wood like old New England church pews, this place will take your breath away. The acoustics are fantastic, too. There is simply no space like it anywhere else — it epitomizes the "Athens of America" Boston Brahmin classicism of Victorian Massachusetts, complete with statues of historical American political... More

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See 13 more reviews by ii2yeah for Cambridge
Amherst, MA
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 31, 2013

Our second concert here. A gorgeous room with great acoustics and reasonably comfortable seats. We also heard a chorale concert here a few years ago. I don't think there are any bad seats in the house.

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See 2 more reviews by GerryWAmherst_MA for Cambridge
Boston, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
35 reviews 35 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed March 26, 2013

Harvard offers an online course held in Sanders, and the view on the screen does not do it justice. I have been to Memorial Hall/Sanders Theatre twice in as many weeks for two wonderful performances during this Celtic time of year. WGBH hosted a 'Celtic Sojourn' highlighting various Celtic music and Naralie MacMaster, a Cape Breton Nova Scotia native and... More

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See 2 more reviews by RaeRae M for Cambridge
Boston
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed March 17, 2013

It's an incredibly beautiful building inside and out. It's grand, like a European cathedral, but warm, due to the fine wood. Excellent acoustics. I've been there just about every year beginning with 2000 for the Ig Nobel Prize Awards Ceremony. I saw Dave Brubeck play there a year or two before he died. I sang on stage at the 2000... More

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See 4 more reviews by david314 for Cambridge
cambridge
Top Contributor
71 reviews 71 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
39 helpful votes 39 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 12, 2013

research the stained glass windows and architecture before you go - Wow!!! This place is a treasure and should be visited even if you have no function or event to go to.

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See 11 more reviews by NatureGirllCityGirl for Cambridge
Massachusetts
Top Contributor
69 reviews 69 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
47 helpful votes 47 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 19, 2012

It matters not what event is planned for this extraordinary space. If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend, just turn off your hearing aid (after noting how superb the acoustics are) and have a detailed look around as the speaker drones on. This is wood brought to its highest form through the inspired vision of phenomenally... More

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Cambridge, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed December 9, 2012

but whether you enjoy it depends on what performance you attend and if you like that sort of music. It full of atmosphere, not too large, and a wonderful, old space. Very special. Check out what is "playing...."

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See 14 more reviews by SLRS5 for Cambridge
East Orleans, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
11 attraction reviews
Reviews in 21 cities Reviews in 21 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed November 18, 2012

Built to honor Harvard's Civil War fallen on both sides, the hall engravings could easily make one weep for those who fought in this tragedy. But music concerts lift the soul. Try the Revels around Christmas time, to "Welcome Yule!!) A family tradition.

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See 7 more reviews by lordrob44 for Cambridge
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
89 reviews 89 reviews
56 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed August 24, 2012

My son was in many Harvard singing groups so I have been in Sanders many times. It could not be build today. The wood with which it is constructed would be prohibitive.. The best seats are in Mezz section D. Check locations of pillars for any seats. Balcony seats near the front have partial view. I don't recommend floor seats... More

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See 15 more reviews by jroihl for Cambridge

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