Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
4.5
About
As one of the last surviving theater venues on Broadway, the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall keeps the tradition of hosting prolific performances alive in this historic part of Portland. The building that now houses what locals lovingly call “The Schnitz” was originally the Portland Public Theatre, built in 1928, and later renamed the Paramount Theatre. The Italian Rococo Revival architecture was said to be the national showcase of renowned Chicago theatre architects Rapp & Rapp, and has been beautifully restored through a generous donation from Portlanders Arlene and Harold Schnitzer. The Concert Hall plays host to a variety of presentations including classical, comedy, jazz, pop, rock, folk and gospel music, dance, theatre, travel films, and much more.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Neighborhood: Downtown
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
402 reviews
Excellent
264
Very good
106
Average
26
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Hawthorne P
3 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
Saw The Jinkx and Dela Holiday Show and had a great time. We needed accessibility help and the theater was easy to access, had elevators, plus provided complimentary wheelchairs. The staff was helpful, knowledgeable, and courteous. It was a great night out!
Written January 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnarama
Portland, OR76 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
I have lived in Portland my whole life but had never seen a show at the Schnitz until very recently, and I was really struck by how beautiful it is! Beautiful and elegant in a way that the Keller or Newmark or Armory or Roseland or the Aladdin could never really approach. As with many old theaters, the seating is a bit cramped and uncomfortable, but it’s a very lavish and stunning venue for a show!
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David M
Portland, OR341 contributions
Mar 2022
Musically, the Oregon Symphony is excellent, and the performance we saw was entirely admirable. That is, once we were seated. Ushers were polite, kind, and efficient; on-site service was pleasant and friendly. After-market interaction was not at all helpful.
My wife and I are seniors. We do fine as we get around, but we both need to use handrails as we negotiate stairs. Our seats were in the balcony where, it turns out, there are NO HANDRAILS! Even after a major renovation a few years ago, they couldn't figure out how to put in handrails. Or to include that information in their ticket sales information. Getting to our seats was difficult and somewhat frightening. Getting to the exits was only slightly better. In between, we enjoyed the concert.
We learned, when we asked the next day, that the only choice we had, would be to switch from our seats upstairs to unacceptable (very poor acoustic placement) seats downstairs. Not much sense of interest in or feeling for our problem. Just "Take it or leave it." We've left it.
The Schnitzer is a grand old concert hall in many ways, but the renovation sadly omitted a part of the history they might miss: some of the folks that used to buy tickets.
My wife and I are seniors. We do fine as we get around, but we both need to use handrails as we negotiate stairs. Our seats were in the balcony where, it turns out, there are NO HANDRAILS! Even after a major renovation a few years ago, they couldn't figure out how to put in handrails. Or to include that information in their ticket sales information. Getting to our seats was difficult and somewhat frightening. Getting to the exits was only slightly better. In between, we enjoyed the concert.
We learned, when we asked the next day, that the only choice we had, would be to switch from our seats upstairs to unacceptable (very poor acoustic placement) seats downstairs. Not much sense of interest in or feeling for our problem. Just "Take it or leave it." We've left it.
The Schnitzer is a grand old concert hall in many ways, but the renovation sadly omitted a part of the history they might miss: some of the folks that used to buy tickets.
Written April 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MAXFLITE
Hillsboro, OR177 contributions
Dec 2021
Saw THE MESSIAH with soloists and PSU Chorus. A wonderful Sunday matinee in the Christmas season. Yes, it's a standard but with energy it is always exciting. The Portland audience knows how to attend a classical concert...when to applaud and when not. They knew to stand for the Hallelujah chorus without prompting.
Our seats were mid-orchestra and excellent sight lines until the 7' tall guy sat in front of me. I listened more they looked!
The sound was excellent. We have learned over the years that the best seats are mid-way back. You get all the highs and lows ...when down front you are just getting a blast.
The space is early 20th century baroque, beautifully restored and maintained and is a treasure Portland cherishes.
Easy in-out parking close by, no lines even with checking vax records and ID. COVID protocols were managed well by staff.
As downtown Portland is under pressure to regain its national recognition as a special place, we can all be thankful that the OSO is a gem that we should always guard and support.
Happier holidays after this season opening concert. Keep your eyes /ears on the lute. Who knew?
Our seats were mid-orchestra and excellent sight lines until the 7' tall guy sat in front of me. I listened more they looked!
The sound was excellent. We have learned over the years that the best seats are mid-way back. You get all the highs and lows ...when down front you are just getting a blast.
The space is early 20th century baroque, beautifully restored and maintained and is a treasure Portland cherishes.
Easy in-out parking close by, no lines even with checking vax records and ID. COVID protocols were managed well by staff.
As downtown Portland is under pressure to regain its national recognition as a special place, we can all be thankful that the OSO is a gem that we should always guard and support.
Happier holidays after this season opening concert. Keep your eyes /ears on the lute. Who knew?
Written December 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madeline Cook
Portland, OR106 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
This is a very nice place to see an event or musical performance. It has great acoustics and feels pretty intimate without feeling too small. The ticket prices here are usually very expensive though so I only go here for very special events.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah S
70 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We went to see, "Sarah Mclachlan" at the concert hall. We saw her almost 15 years ago in Boise, Idaho. When arriving at our seats in the very last row I had concerns about the sound. When she came on stage and began to talk and play is was like sitting up close. The architecture is absolutely beautiful and so are the acoustics. My only complaint would be the old seats are squished together. If you're tall or have long legs you might be a bit cramped. That being said, bad knees and all I will gladly go back to this venue.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mikpar
Portland, OR184 contributions
Feb 2020
We have seats on the aisle and the ability to see the stage is great from there. The sound for music presentations is fantastic,
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the kind words, and we hope to see you back soon! Stay up to date with all five of our venues through our email newsletter by signing up over on the Portland'5 website.
Written February 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fung L
10 contributions
Feb 2020
We went to the John Williams symphony. The venue is on the large side. the symphony was terrific. Great central location
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the kind words, and we hope to see you back soon! You can stay up-to-date with new events at all five of our venues by signing up for our email newsletter over on the Portland'5 website.
Written February 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bedandbreakfaster
Salem10 contributions
Dec 2019
I love going to Schnitz. It's an older building but that adds to it's charm. The seating is such that one has no problem seeing the stage. The acoustics are good so that you get the most out of the sounds on the stage.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your review of the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall! We are so glad that you've enjoyed coming to our theatre. Please visit our website, portland5.com for tickets and information on upcoming performances in all five of our venues!
Written January 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary R
Portland, OR238 contributions
Nov 2019
Recently attended a concert here and was grateful for everything nearby. There are several places to park, numerous restaurants and even a hotel right next door. The venue itself is beautiful and the acoustics are amazing.
Written November 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your review of the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Mary! We are so happy that you had such a wonderful time. Please visit portland5.com for tickets and information on upcoming performances in all five of our theatres. We hope to see you again very soon!
Written January 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Where in the concert hall are the general admission tickets for? Is it the “pit?”
For performances accompanying a movie, can you see the movie screen from the lower and upper balcony or will you be listening only?
jonesfamilythree
Hillsboro, OR
How is the seat comfort in Orchestra B? My Dad is a pretty big guy and was wondering if he would fit comfortably in the seat?
hatlady3
Portland, OR20 contributions
I agree. The seats are not super roomy. An end -of- the row-seat gives more space/flexibility.
Are the pit seats at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall great for seeing comedians or should I try another area? Can you give me the pros and cons for each, please? I appreciate your input.
Csilva
Caretia
Pit seats are great, I’ve seen Anthony Bourdain there and we just saw Nick Offerman both seats were on the first floor area and not in the pit—they were totally fine. The floor has an incline so you still have a good view.
How are the upper mezzanine section A seats?
Deb W
Portland, OR11 contributions
I am not sure my answer will be considered helpful however here it is. I talk with someone live when choosing seats for any event. Whereas I have been going to the Schnitz for years I do discuss where I want to me depending upon the event. I let the person know the amount I can pay and go from there. I have never been disappointed whether seeing the Symphony or or a play. The only challenge can be the seats. I am peitete and fit well but I know the leg room can be a challenge.
Where is the nearest parking for tonight's event?
Valerie S
Portland, OR10 contributions
Parking is very easy to find in that area; as well as a lot parking structure 1-2 blocks from the venue.
is mezzanine level e very good seats
Rhonda A
28 contributions
I found the mezzanine seating very comfortable with a great 'vista' view of the stage. Just be aware of the roof supports. Have a great time.
is mezzanine sect. e very good seats for the moody blues
BCbikeGuy
Keremeos, Canada566 contributions
The Mezzanine would be great. We sat in the front row of the balcony which we thought were the best seats we could imagine. As the other answer states the centre would probably be best, but it is an awesome theatre and I don't think any seat would be bad ... just some a little better ....
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall (Portland) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
- We recommend booking Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 3 Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall:
- (0.02 mi) Heathman Hotel
- (0.08 mi) Paramount Hotel
- (0.09 mi) Hilton Portland Downtown
- (0.12 mi) The Duniway Portland, a Hilton Hotel
- (0.22 mi) Dossier
- Restaurants near Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall:
- (0.07 mi) Southpark Seafood
- (0.09 mi) Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse
- (0.10 mi) Pastini
- (0.10 mi) Swine Restaurant, Moonshine & Whiskey Bar
- (0.10 mi) Ruth's Chris Steak House
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall Information
Excellent Reviews | 264 |
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Very Good Reviews | 106 |
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall Photos | 34 |