The Seattle Symphony and Benaroya Hall have officially launched the public phase of their ambitious $20 million revitalization campaign, titled Amplify. This initiative marks the first major renovation for the downtown Seattle landmark since it opened in 1998. The project aims to transform the venue into an everyday community destination rather than strictly a concert-night venue.
During the quiet phase of fundraising, the Amplify campaign successfully secured $15 million toward its $20 million goal. Major founding contributions came from prominent regional entities, including the Friday Foundation in honor of Jane Lang Davis, the Norcliffe Foundation, Leslie and Dale Chihuly, The Benaroya Family, Elias and Karyl Alvord, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, Linda Nordstrom, Maryanne Tagney, and Patricia Tall-Takacs and Gary Takacs.
Reimagining Public Spaces for Downtown Seattle
Designed by architecture firm Mithun after a community-based fact-finding process led by Campbell & Company, the project focuses heavily on updating public areas. Planned enhancements include about 500 new seats outside the main performance halls, refreshed lobby spaces, updated digital signage, and improved wayfinding to make the venue more accessible and welcoming.
Additional features of the renovation include:
- An expanded ground-floor café with dedicated seating along Third Avenue to encourage daily socialization.
- A new Welcome Desk to assist visitors and tourists.
- The Overlook Lounge and a dedicated Community Room offering free public programming and collaboration space for nonprofit partners.
- Enhanced exterior lighting and digital marquees to boost nighttime visibility and downtown safety.
“Benaroya Hall has always been more than a concert hall,” said Leslie Jackson Chihuly, Chair of the Benaroya Hall Board of Directors. “When we first opened our doors, Benaroya Hall helped spark a new era of cultural and civic revitalization in downtown Seattle. Today, we find ourselves in another defining moment – a period of renewal for our city.”
Construction Timeline and Community Impact
Construction on the exterior along Third Avenue is scheduled to begin in July 2025, with Sellen Construction serving as the general contractor. Despite these updates, Benaroya Hall will remain fully open to the public and operational throughout all construction phases.
City and organizational leaders view the $20 million upgrade as a crucial contribution to Seattle’s broader downtown revitalization efforts, aligning with waterfront expansions and upcoming global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“In Seattle, we think big and achieve great things, from reimagining our central waterfront to investing in world-class public spaces,” said Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. “Amplify is yet another example of how we, as Seattleites, are defining our own future by investing in the places that bring us together.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Benaroya Hall originally open?
Benaroya Hall first opened in 1998, serving as the permanent home for the Seattle Symphony and establishing itself as a premier architectural landmark in downtown Seattle.
How much does the Amplify campaign cost?
The total fundraising and investment goal for the Amplify revitalization campaign is $20 million, with $15 million already raised during the quiet phase.
Will Benaroya Hall close during construction?
No, Benaroya Hall will remain open during construction, which is slated to begin in July 2025 starting with exterior updates along Third Avenue.
Who is designing the renovations?
The design firm Mithun is leading the architectural design, while Sellen Construction serves as the general contractor for the project.
What new features can visitors expect?
Visitors will find an expanded café, a new Welcome Desk, a Community Room for nonprofit collaboration, public art installations, roughly 500 additional non-ticketed seats, and upgraded digital signage and lighting.
