Benedum Center (Stanley Theatre)

Courtesy of Brian Crawford

Location:

237 7th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Description:

The Benedum Center for the Performing Arts is a grand and historic theater located at the corner of 7th and Liberty in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District. Designed by the Philadelphia firm Hoffman‑Henon, it originally opened in February 1928 as the Stanley Theatre—a lavish “Palace of Amusement” movie palace that ranked as the largest movie theater in western Pennsylvania at the time. Following a $43 million restoration led by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and guided by H.J. Heinz II, the venue reopened in September 1987 under its current name, with nearly all of its original opulent features—including its massive 4,700‑pound Czechoslovakian crystal chandelier and more than 90 original fixtures—faithfully preserved.

Today, the Benedum seats approximately 2,800 patrons and serves as the principal stage for major regional institutions such as Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, along with touring Broadway productions, concerts, and other performances. Its storied past includes legendary rock and regga e artists like the Grateful Dead and Bob Marley, along with a famed accolade as Billboard’s “Number One Auditorium in the U.S.” during its concert era. Whether you're taking in a ballet, a musical, a concert, or a live event, the Benedum Center remains one of the city’s most beloved cultural landmarks—where architectural magnificence meets performing arts excellence.