No upcoming performances found for Opera Philadelphia. Check the season schedule.
Editorial picks within walking distance
Zahav
Society Hill
“Reserve weeks ahead — this is the most sought-after restaurant in Philadelphia. Bar seats available without reservation. The mezze spread (three or four small plates) plus the laffa bread is a complete meal.”
La Colombe (Rittenhouse)
Rittenhouse Square
“The draft latte (nitrogen-infused cold latte from a tap) is La Colombe's signature innovation. The Rittenhouse location is the most convenient for performers in the Avenue of the Arts corridor. Excellent pastries from local bakeries.”
Tips from the regulars
Entrance
Coat check: yesOpera Philadelphia performs at the Academy of Music, located at 1516 N Broad Street in the Avenue of the Arts district. The main entrance faces Broad Street; the stage door is on Locust Street (useful for stage-door visits). Broad Street is the city's primary north-south artery and is well-served by public transit.
Intermission
The Academy's lobby is spacious but crowded during intermission. The bar service moves slowly; order during the first five minutes of intermission or skip the bar entirely. The dress circle (first balcony tier) has its own bar area, which is less congested. Restrooms are adequate but expect lines. The orchestra level has better restroom access than the balconies. Many patrons use intermission to step outside onto Broad Street for air.
Accessibility
The Academy of Music is a 19th-century building with accessibility challenges. Wheelchair access is available via elevator; accessible seating is located in the orchestra section. The venue has a hearing loop system. Contact the Academy box office (215-731-1000) or Opera Philadelphia's accessibility coordinator for specific accommodations. The building's age means some areas lack modern accessibility features; advance communication with the venue is essential.
Transit, parking & directions
Public Transit
The SEPTA Broad Street Line (the city's primary north-south subway) stops at City Hall (13th and Market Streets), a 5-minute walk north. The Market-Frankford Line (east-west) intersects at City Hall. Regional Rail (SEPTA's commuter rail) serves 30th Street Station, approximately 1.5 miles south. Ride-share services (Uber, Lyft) are readily available; drop-off is on Broad Street.
Parking
Street parking on Broad Street and surrounding blocks is available but competitive during performance hours. The Kimmel Center parking garage (entrance on 15th Street, one block east) offers reliable paid parking and is a 5-minute walk. Typical cost is $15–20 for evening performances. The Reading Terminal Market garage (entrance on 12th Street) is also nearby. Ride-share drop-off is on Broad Street in front of the Academy.
Nearby highlights, venues & landmarks
Academy of Music
Avenue of the Arts
“The acoustic profile rewards large voices — the hall's reverberation enhances dramatic singing. The stage is raked. The dress circle (first tier) center is the best acoustic position in the house. Stage door is on Locust Street.”
Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Avenue of the Arts
“The acoustic canopy in Verizon Hall is adjustable — the hall sounds different in different configurations. The lobby often has free programming. Park in the Kimmel parking garage (entrance on 15th St) for the easiest venue access.”
Curtis Institute of Music
Rittenhouse Square
“Curtis presents free student recitals and chamber concerts throughout the year — the quality is extraordinary. The Faculty Artist Series features Philadelphia Orchestra principals performing chamber music.”
Reading Terminal Market
Center City
“DiNic's roast pork Italian (slow-cooked pork, sharp provolone, broccoli rabe on a Sarcone's roll) is the best sandwich in Philadelphia and possibly America. Arrive before noon — pork sells out. The Dutch Eating Place serves breakfast until 2 PM.”
Walnut Street Theatre
Washington Square West
“The main stage's horseshoe configuration creates good actor-audience connection. The stage door is on 9th Street. The company runs a robust education program — teaching positions and residencies are sometimes available.”
Arden Theatre Company
Old City
“The Old City location is in a converted historic building — the architecture enhances the intimacy. The company's relationship with Philadelphia playwrights means new work is often developed here. Post-show discussions happen regularly.”
The Barnes Foundation
Logan Square
“The collection is displayed with African metalwork, medieval ironwork, and Pennsylvania German objects alongside paintings — Barnes wanted aesthetic education through juxtaposition. The building's light-filled interior is itself a work of architectural art.”
Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse
“The park's central location makes it the gathering place for the performing arts community between calls. The outdoor art exhibitions (Rittenhouse Square Flower Show in April, crafts fairs) are civic events. The park is safe and active until 10 PM most evenings.”
Broad Street Line (Orange Line)
Avenue of the Arts
“The Broad Street Line is the most direct route from South Philadelphia residential neighborhoods to the Avenue of the Arts performance corridor. Runs 5 AM-midnight daily. The frequency is every 6-12 minutes.”