This is the first major renovation of the historic Grand Center building since we purchased the building and made it the SLSO’s first permanent home in 1968.
Originally built as a vaudeville house and movie theater, the venue was never designed to support a symphony orchestra. This transformative project will improve all aspects of the audience and artist experience, while updating the building’s aging infrastructure. We’re improving the safety of the building and making it more accessible and ADA compliant. You’ll also notice upgraded amenities throughout. A new Education and Learning Center will serve as rehearsal space for the SLSO’s two resident choruses and Youth Orchestra and as a home for the SLSO’s education programming.
The renovation and expansion preserves and enhances what you love about the building—its renowned acoustics and architectural splendor—while improving building infrastructure and expanding the space to better serve our community.
The renovated and expanded campus is named the Jack C. Taylor Music Center in honor of the long-time SLSO patron and St. Louis business and philanthropic leader, Jack C. Taylor. The renovated concert hall will retain its Powell Hall name.
This project is inspired by our community. You’ll notice several upgraded amenities on your next visit: additional restrooms and concession areas; a welcoming new lobby and Box Office to provide more space to gather; beautiful outdoor green spaces; a new café and terrace; a new coat check; a viewing booth; a new patron lounge; and new and upgraded entrances.
The auditorium will retain its iconic look and sound, but you’ll notice larger, more comfortable seats with additional legroom and additional sound fortification.
For artists, we are adding new lounges and dressing rooms; practice rooms; more adequate instrument storage; a media and recording suite; and a new music library.
We broke ground on the project in March 2023. Powell Hall closed in May 2023. The Jack C. Taylor Music Center, with Powell Hall at its heart, reopened in September 2025.
Yes, Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center hosts other events, including the St. Louis Speaker Series and other rental events. We also host private events throughout the year. Interested in having your event at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center? Learn more here.
We are working to make parking as convenient as possible. The SLSO will operate its own parking lot immediately east of Powell Hall, accessible from Samuel Shepard Dr.
Prepaid parking in the SLSO lot is available for most concerts. Limited non-reserved paid parking is available in the SLSO lot on concert nights on a first-come, first served basis.
Nearby parking options are numerous in Grand Center.
Accessibility is improved in the SLSO lot with 20 ADA spots and enhanced security and lighting.
Donors will continue to receive parking and valet benefits according to giving levels.
Drop-off/pick-up will be easier with a guest drop-off location at the main entrance via a forecourt accessible from Samuel Shepard Dr.
Rideshare options, like Uber and Lyft, have a specific drop-off location on the north side of Powell Hall along Delmar Blvd.
Shuttle service is available for many concerts from Plaza Frontenac.
Public transportation options via bus and Metrolink are available.
We are grateful for your support of this once-in-a-generation project. The community phase of Music for All: The Campaign for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, a capital campaign in support of the project, began in April 2024. Gifts of all sizes are welcome. Please visit the Donate page to learn about ways to contribute and to make your gift.
Make Your Gift
Every gift is meaningful in helping us reach our campaign goal. Your support ensures music is accessible to all in St. Louis for generations to come.
