Follow Along with the Powell Hall Expansion and Renovation

New rear walls of Powell’s Hall auditorium floor has begun to take shape. Crews have started to frame the walls, designed to accomplish several goals. Once complete, the entrance to the auditorium will include a vestibule with two sets of doors to reduce exterior noise from infiltrating the concert hall, and provide for more discreet […]

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A new and inviting entrance to Powell Hall has begun to take shape on the north side of the building facing Delmar Blvd. Crews began selective demolition in preparation for the construction of a new, accessible entrance with a metal canopy. Later in the project, the sidewalk near Delmar and Grand Ave. will be extended […]

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Brick by brick, the expansion and renovation of Powell Hall progresses—literally. Masonry work has begun on the project, led by St. Louis-based John J. Smith Masonry Company. Masons have completed bricklaying on the north façade facing Delmar Blvd., and have started work on the east façade of the new backstage and on the new Education […]

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A bold design element of the new lobby expansion has begun to take shape. An anchor of the Snøhetta-designed space will be a spiral staircase that will connect to balconies on four floors outside of the auditorium. These new balconies will provide additional entries into the concert, and also provide more space for added amenities […]

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Recently, the iconic entry doors facing Grand Ave. to Powell Hall were removed as the entrances to Powell Hall and some of the interior spaces are reconfigured for a different use. When Powell Hall reopens in 2025, audiences will no longer enter under the marquee, instead accessing the hall through one of four accessible and covered entrances: through the new lobby facing southwest at […]

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Over the past two months, the south side of Powell Hall has seen a dramatic change as crews have formed and poured concrete for the SLSO’s new lobby and guest services expansion, which provide much-needed amenities to improve the visitor experience. Last week, forming continued on the fourth and final floor of the expansion that will connect to […]

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Part of the expansion and renovation of Powell Hall, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s home, includes infrastructure changes. Recently, new cooling towers were lifted onto the roof of the backstage addition. These cooling towers will help regulate the temperature of the building, creating a comfortable space for audiences and artists. Previously located near the concert […]

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The expansion and renovation of Powell Hall reached a milestone today, as the institution marked one year since ground was broken on the project. In that year, the backstage expansion—which will house needed artist amenities including a new music library, lounges, dressing rooms, and media suites—has taken shape. Meanwhile, the walls of the Education and […]

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The renovation of Powell Hall’s auditorium took a major step forward recently when crews erected scaffolding to begin a major refresh. Scaffolds rising seven floors from the orchestra level will give experts access to the walls and ceilings for detailed cleaning and repainting work of the intricate cream and gold interior. Once the renovation is […]

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Much of the backstage expansion of Powell Hall is now visible—facilities that include a new Education and Learning Center and amenities for musicians and visiting artists.  Now, parts of the front of house expansion are coming into view as construction crews progress on that part of the project.  Two elevators will be added to the […]

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2024 began with a milestone in the renovation of Powell Hall’s auditorium. Construction crews began the concrete overpour of the main floor. Once complete, the floor will be reshaped and include a new cross-auditorium aisle with additional ADA-accessible seating. The renovated auditorium will have new lighting and seats, bringing the house to a comfortable and […]

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