Bridgewater Hall

Overview

The Bridgewater Hall is Manchester's premier international concert venue, home to the Hallé — one of the oldest professional orchestras in the world. The 2,341-seat auditorium is renowned for its exceptional acoustics.

Highlights

• Acoustics: The hall is built on giant spring isolators to eliminate vibration from the nearby Metrolink trams.
• Marconi Organ: A four-manual concert organ with 5,500 pipes, one of the largest in the UK.
• Hallé Concerts: The resident orchestra performs over 70 concerts per season.

History

Opened in 1996, the Bridgewater Hall was named after the nearby Bridgewater Canal. It replaced the Free Trade Hall as Manchester's primary classical music venue and cost £42 million to build.

Visitor Tips

• Tickets: Available from £10 for many Hallé concerts; premium seats cost more.
• Free events: Regular lunchtime concerts and foyer performances.
• Duration: 2–3 hours (concert).