
4.6
1 of 36 Best Attractions in Bethesda

I have visited the Strathmore Mansion twice for art exhibits and once for a concert. I find it a lovely place to visit, beautifully decorated, with modernistic sculptures dotting the grounds and a pretty little tiled fountain. The performance hall is much more recent than the house and offers fine acoustics and a relaxed, intimate space. The gift shop sells all sorts of work by local artists including paper works and jewelry. (The food is expensive and only adequate, but I doubt anyone goes there just for a meal.) It hosts various art exhibits throughout the year but is worth visiting just for itself.

Strathmore Hall has to be one of the finest and prettiest performance halls in America. Unlike barns masquerading as performance halls, you always have an intimate experience at Strathmore even if you're sitting in the last row of the last balcony.

The choices keep expanding year by year, and even the prices are manageable. Best to join the STARS category to get early choices on tickets. Easy and accessible parking. More than decent selection of pre-show foods on site. Usually fun audiences who appreciate the shows and show their enthusiasm. From solo shows to music ensembles and large performances, incredible acoustics, even in the nose bleed section. Definitely worth subscribing.

I dance here everyday and have performed at the Strathmore mansion. The Strathmore mansion has great acoustics which is good for music isn't good for us to talk backstage. hehe. But it has many chairs and you see pretty much everywhere you go.

Went to see the Diana Ross show. Fantastic. Free parking and very friendly ushers. Apparently all seats give a perfect view of

Our first visit to Strathmore was to see Mannheim Steamroller, 4:00 show. Arrived early so had time for a very helpful usher to give us an abbreviated tour. What a wonderful venue. The design and construction of the theater as amazing. Electronic music did not do the hall justice.
Pricey limited food and beverages available.
The Mansion is small by comparison (5 room downstairs, three upstairs; downstairs also has a larger room suitable for small 100? receptions). There was a very good show of miniatures.
Other reviews mention free parking at the metro station. Be aware of traffic issues with early show leaving and second show arriving.

Saw "Who's Line Is It Anyway?" on a recent Saturday night and was very impressed by not only the hilarious show but the auditorium itself. This gorgeous building is home to the Music Center at Strathmore, which showcases music and arts education and performances. The staff were very cordial and helpful, from the parking attendants to the ushers, and the food and drink were excellent, as well. All in all, a wonderful experience, so much so that I've already purchased tix for an upcoming event.

Strathmore Hall is a great venue with wonderful acoustic and location next to a metro station. We have seen many music shows. During summer months we come to the lawn with our family and friends.Highly recommend for local families!

Excellent acoustics are the hallmark of this modern concert hall. Parking is difficult and expensive but there is on site Metro access. Usually bookings are a step down from the Kennedy Center but the occasional big name shows up.

Beautiful surroundings for an amazing concert hall which is, for once, not in DC, but has great programming. Children's tickets are free for all National Philharmonic concerts, and Citydance, a great dance company, has all its shows there. The president's daughter dances there! We have seen many shows over the years there, but I would especially recommend anything with the choir. Hundreds of people singing with the orchestra make it for a fabulous event. They regularly have Mozart's Requiem and Handel's Messiah. Also, they host the Russian Ballet for the Nutcracker in winter, which is always a joy.

We’ve been here several times and enjoyed it every time.
- great acoustics
- every seat has good sight lines
- easy and free parking
Our favorite seats are the promenade boxes. Great views. Intermission is easy because the promenade bathrooms are so close and serve a limited number of seats.

We saw the Maryland Lyric Opera perform here tonight and the concert hall worked really well. Sound was great and chairs were comfortable. Parking was convenient with a covered walkway, so no reason to go outside on a rainy night.

We love going to symphony concerts here. All seats are good. The orchestra is best for people who get warm, as the heat rises with each level. But you do have to go down a set of stairs or the elevator to get to the orchestra level. Food is now from Ridgewell Catering and very good. Get there early and have dinner!

We've subscribed to the National Philharmonic at Strathmore for years. The music director typically selects the classics (example: on Saturday, it was all Mozart, including my favorite, the "Jupiter"), which always keeps me coming back. Although we previously had a Kennedy Center subscription, logistics made it difficult. It required two trains and a 20 minute walk from the Metro station. Strathmore is conveniently located just off the Beltway, making it only a 35 minute drive. Glorious music in a good location.

Beautiful sound, comfortable seating, easy parking...but eat some place else!
Many concerts are the Baltimore Philharmonic Orchestra, but there is a vast variety of performances in addition to concerts.

Wonderful place to go for a concert. Any seat, anywhere in the auditorium has excellent sound and you can almost hear whispers.

The design of this building ensures the best sound quality even in the cheapest seats! The volunteers are also kind and attentive.

Have returned here time and again for concerts. No bad seat. Acoustics is phenomenal and so I'm always on the look out for my favorite artists performing here. More intimate setting that Kennedy center but sound system is phenomenal.

Here you can enjoy a wide range of entertainments from the Baltimore Symphony to the Bolshoi. ballet. Prices are reasonable,parking is free and plentiful, and it is easy to reach

We have been twice this month (December 2015) already. to see Dave Koz Christmas special and Winton Marsalis with Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Both helped get us into a Christmas mood. The parking is easy and quick in and out. They offer a dinner buffet before the curtain if you do not have time to get home from work, eat and make it to the theater. It is a beautiful new concert hall, all in wood. The Mansion nearby is an intimate room setting better for some artists, like a mandolin player. The gift shop in The Mansion is the best in the Area.

Not a bad seat in the house. Great acoustics. Beautiful venue, with good free parking or metro access. Comfortable seating, good access to bathrooms, great staff. Wine during intermissions.

Attended the Farruquito Flamenco concert with one of my closest friend and was one of the most amazing show I have joined, his show was outstanding and one of the best I have attended. Please bring him back.

Strathmore is a beautiful, elegant hall with great shows. It is available by Metro and has easy parking. You can even eat before a show in the cafeteria-style restaurant.

Been there many times for many reasons and cannot recommend it more highly for this area. The acoustics, lighting, comfort, beauty of the buildings and grounds, quality of events, workshops and enrichment activities are just excellent, always. Check their calendar and go to something - even tea, chamber music or art in the Mansion.

Strathmore is a premier entertainment venue with good seating, sound and talent. The inefficient subpar food service detracts from the appeal of the destination and the high standards set by Doug Duncan and others when Strathmore was created. At the Manhattan Transfer show (excellent), customers in the slow-moving, long line for pre-show dinners were told that the ovens didn’t work so meals were not available, salads were gone, trail mix/$6 cookies were available. In musical terms, the clunky food service at Strathmore is out of tune with the marquee stage performances.

One of my favorite jazz guitarists along with Scofield is Pat Metheny.
My favorite music hall is the Strathmore. We took our musician friends there who commented there were no corners. The inside looks like an interior of a sailing ship one of those old types. The sound is exquisite, although in Metheny they had the piano way down. Although in the past some of the staff have been overzealous in selective rule enforcement, those staff are no longer present or have been retrained. It is a beautiful place to hear quality musicians with a professional staff.

For many years my wife and I drove to the Kennedy center in downtown Washington to hear the National Symphony Orchestra or see opera, musical and plays. we still make that trek occasionally. But more often than not we will go to Strathmore to hear the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Strathmore is a beautiful hall and the acoustics are fine.The BSO provides excellent performances. And the convenient location with ample free parking with many nearby restaurants just can't be beat.

World class accoustics. Modern setting and beautiful woodwork. Free parking and just one block from Metro and various bus lines. My wife and I have been her at least yearly since Strathmore opened. Wish I could affore a townhouse across the street!!

The Strathmore is an excellent concert venue and a great asset to the Bethesda/Rockville area. We have seen some truly great performers here including Tony Bennet, Wynton Marsalis, Chris Botti, and soprano Aleksandra Kurzak.

The sound quality at this beautiful venue is the best in the DC area. There is always a great selection of wonderful artists and entertainers for the Strathmore season. It is very convenient to Bethesda -- a bit of a hike from DC-- but accessible by Metro. Easy parking but leave plenty of time if you are driving from DC on weeknight. Rush hour can make it slow going. It is well worth the trip.

The Music Center at Strathmore is one of the treasures of the DC area cultural scene. Since its opening in 2005, the 1,976-seat concert hall and center offers world-class performances, spanning virtually all entertainment areas, from the resident Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to rock and roll acts like The Moody Blues and Jethro Tull. More than 150 performances a year are offered, and include classical music, world music, dance, comedians, cultural porsonalities, and I could go on and on.
The concert hall has some of the best acoustics one is ever likley to encounter.
Almost as terrific are the concert series held in the Mansion on site, where an intimate audience (not more than 100) can get up close and personal to an extraordinary range of musical artists, many of them just beginning their professional careers, other local area favorites. (There's a great gift shop there too!)
Visitors to the DC area are well-advised to take a look at upcoming performances at the Center on their website - www.strathmore.org and to include a visit to Strathmore.

Great acoustics and line-of-sight, with easy in/out parking. Glad Strathmore is expanding on-site dining/food service. Just saw Canadian Brass holiday show, which imports Christmas spirit plus Dreidel Song. The Canadians should play Canadian Brass music while negotiating trade treaties.

WOW! This was a really, really fascinating performance, combining masterful juggling with modern dance, humor, and an excellent string quintet - for more than an hour of spellbinding theatrics.

Went to my first concert at this venue and was blown away. This concert hall is absolutely amazing. The Strathmore has a wide range of concerts so find something you want to listen to and go for a really amazing time. There is plenty of parking. If you want to eat there there is a cafe that has a range of foods.

Strathmore is a beautiful venue with great acoustics and sightlines. It is very accessible by car or Metro. Highly recommend it for virtually any type of music.

The Strathmore is a beautiful theater with nice seating and acoustics. The lobby has opportunities to eat, but get there early. Wine and mixed drinks are also available at a cash bar. Parking is limited, but there is a metro station across the road with parking. We recently saw the Temptations and the Four Tops performing, yes a few of the originals are still alive and well. The audience was engaged and the show was a lot of fun. We definitely plan to go back for another show or concert. They attract a variety of musicians and artists. Highly recommend this if in the Bethesda, Maryland area.

I recently attended an event at the Strathmore and was really impressed. I don't think there is a bad seat, although closer is always better. I had never been here before but now I will start paying attention to who is performing there. It's pretty easy to get to off of the Beltway, has great free parking during the evening hours in the Metro garage across the street (to which it is connected by a walkway), has a restaurant and bars (we got bottled water), and has a nicely laid out theater.

Strathmore needs to replace all of the child-size "safety" railings on grand and upper tiers. Absolutely UNSAFE: So low (34 inches) that should someone trip or get jostled it's over they will go - 2, 3, 4, 5 stories below. Absolutely insane. Never have been so terrified sitting at a performance. Calling OSHA.

Strathmore remains a lovely venue for music with a varied offering of performers and styles. It is too bad that the food offered has worsened over the years and that the seating for diners is still inadequate. Even so, it's better than the abysmal options at Kennedy Center. Free and plentiful parking is another plus, as is the immediate proximity of the Metro.

Fine place for concerts in suburban Maryland. It is great that parking is free; it is also accessible by subway from DC and Northern Virginia. Many world class musicians perform here.

The Strathmore is an amazing venue! It was my first time there, but definitely not my last. The parking is super easy to get to and very convenient. The staff was well dressed, informative and beyond friendly. The venue itself is beautiful. The acoustics inside make the music sound that much better, the seating is comfotable and you can view the stage from where ever you may be seated. Food is also offered in a nice dining area, where you can have a full meal or just a small sandwich or snack. Great place!

We were seated in Row LL of the Orchestra section, which is a row of chairs at the back of the theater. These are not auditorium chairs, it's a row of individual chairs that are extraordinarily uncomfortable to sit in for 2.5 hour show. I understand that the show was sold out, but I feel strongly that Strathmore should not sell these seats at full price. Plus, to top it off, there was cold air blowing on us the entire time, to the point that everyone sitting in that row kept their coats, scarves, and even hats on for the entire show. It actually felt warmer walking over the skywalk to the garage than it did sitting in my seat. The stairs back up to the exit are like climbing a mountain, and the ushers actively discourage you from using the elevator if you don't like 80. This was our third time at Strathmore and, all in all, it was a very disappointing experience.

We are blessed in the Washington area to have so many great music venues. Strathmore is one of the easiest to enjoy. Plenty of parking and a lovely bridge to walk across to get to the theater. Select carefully to insure that it is the type of music you like. Classical and pops are best in my opinion. One rock concert was way too loud.

After eating at the Barrel and Crow in Bethesda, we headed up this way. New to the area, we were pleased not to go downtown to get proper music. The theatre is state of art. Well done! We will be back

Strathmore Hall has great acoustics, a nice countrified location, good parking and a Metro stop. Under the auspices of the Washington Performing Arts Society, the world's greatest soloists and chamber groups appear regularly. The Baltimore Symphony holds many of its concerts at Strathmore, giving the Washington area direct access to the BSO.

We went to an off the cuff performance. Alsop spends time explaining what is to come and then at the end, she answers questions from the audience. This performance was Titan, and the second it was over, every one gave it a standing ovation. Almost every performance I go to at Strathmore is outstanding. I feel lucky to be alive at the same time Alsop is.

I love the ease of parking, the quality of the performances, the incredible acoustics, and I don't have to go into D.C. to find these things! Way to go Strathmore!

Kudos for those who had the wisdom to build it and for those who builded. The result is a spectacular and convenient venue for concert of many kinds. The location is just great, near two busy interstate, a metro stop and convenient and ample parking which is used during the day by commuters using the metro. The building is not as glitzy as other in Texas or California but it is beautiful and innovative inside and has one of the best acoustic in the country. Another genial idea was to have the Baltimore Orchestra playing there on alternative night and this arrangement should be an example to other orchestras who are struggling financially.
The programs are often as good as those in the Kennedy Center but this venue is far more convenient for drivers or those using the metro, has a better acoustic and better seats.

Went to see the ageless Johnny Mathis perform and he put on a terrific show. We had good seats in the promenade section which is where I prefer to sit. Although the acoustics are excellent, I feel like the sound goes over my head in the orchestra level and it is somewhat muffled in the side boxes. The promenade is the most accessible seating and the sound is better than in other sections of the building.
Let's talk about accessibility. You enter on the promenade level which adds to my seating preference. Easy in and easy out. There are not enough elevators to go down to the orchestra level or up to the balcony which is inconvenient. Also, there are NOT enough bathrooms creating long lines for men and women.
Parking is another issue. There are plenty of spaces in the garage that is shared with metro and it is free. You get what you pay for because it takes a long time to get in and even longer to get out.
I like the venue overall but I have mixed feelings because of what I mentioned above. Bottom line...choose seats in the promenade section and have patience with the parking situation.

This is a wonderful music venue with spectacular acoustics The programs are varied; something for everyone! There's really no bad seat. The parking is free and very accessible. The outside grounds are lovely also with a mansion and sculpture garden on them. This is a win for Montgomery county Also reachable by metro!

Went to hear a big band here. $60 tickets got us the second to last row in the upper balcony but we could see and hear well everything. I'm not sure about the wheelchair accessibility here-- saw a handicapped toilet in a bathroom with stairs leading to it in two directions. ODD! Check further if you use a wheelchair.

We love the Strathmore, from the warm Walmart-style greeters who welcome you at the door to the world-class acoustics. There is literally not a bad seat in the house. We have been many times and look forward to many more. One drawback -- the parking gridlock at the end of the night. So, go for a little walk on the grounds after the show, and you will get to the lot after it has cleared out a bit. Check out the mansion concerts and teas, too,

This venue was built not too long ago with a perfect location. You can take the Red Line of the Metro, get off at the Grosvenor Station, cross the street via an elevated bridge and walk into this beautiful building. It offers shows, concerts, and many other forms of entertainment.

I traveled down to MD with my daughter to see Home Free in concert! This venue is just amazing! Unfortunately, the seats that I had gotten were higher than I thought and my daughter (age 9) freaked out over the height. The staff was amazingly helpful! They were able to get us some different seats down on the orchestra level so that we could still enjoy the show. I was completely blown away!

We have been to a couple recent concerts at Strathmore and are blown away each time. Yes, the groups we saw were some of our favorites, but as they came on stage they even commented about the venue. From the free parking in the Metro garage, the upbeat attitude of the employees, the food catered by Ridgewell's and most importantly the quality of the sound in the concert hall, this place can not be beat. Buy your tickets direct from the venue, they will take the time to work with you to get the best seats possible. Everybody should experience a night at The Strathmore. Outstanding.

Each year on Wednesdays in the Summer, between June and August they hold free, BYOB outdoor concerts on the beautiful grassy backyard. It's a great family event and a great time for younger people to go with friends and have an excuse to kick back and have a few cold ones.

Outstanding performance with energy and passion, excellent acoustics. Really appreciated the preperformance lecture giving some of the history behind the production.

Strathmore is all you could hope for and more. It's 10 years young and a fantastic concert venue. The hall is an architectural masterpiece, very contemporary, beautifully finished in light woods and comfortable seating. The folks at Strathmore have worked to make every visit a success -- from the blue-shirted always smiling volunteers to the Cafe with hot and cold dinner choices (and wine) for a before the concert dinner. And parking is FREE. But best of all for any concert goer -- the acoustics are just exceptional. We have enjoyed the BSO, Jaon Baez, Arlo Guthrie, Natalie McMaster, and many more artists. There is something for every age group and every musical taste.
In Strathmore Mansion, there is a gift shop, afternoon tea (book ahead), art exhibits, and more.

Visually stunning concert hall with great acoustics, this place draws every kind of performer imaginable. Also has free outdoor concerts in the summer on Wednesday nights.

Strathmore is a fantastic venue for a show. We have seen The Chieftans, and many other great shows. Highly recommend for a date night!

My family of 5 attended a show at the Strathmore in March. The location was a sweet 15 minute drive from Bethesda Row and offered FREE garage parking! Loved that!!! We parked on the second level to have easy access to the walking bridge connecting the lot to the Strathmore. The staff is strategically placed throughout and are very helpful and kind. The concert hall is beautiful done in light wood. Because of poor seating experiences at other venues, we decided to purchase Grand Mezzanine seats which are a semi-private balcony holding 6 seats. I am terribly afraid of heights and the mezzanine railing was only a couple of inches higher than my knees! My imagination caused me to feel like I was falling all evening! That was my only complaint. I could see that even the cheaper seats were good, with ample knee room for grown men. Not a bad seat in the place!

Everyone seems to love this hall and I will say it is beautiful. But that is about it. For a venue that seats nearly 2,000, there are not nearly enough bathrooms. I was in the balcony and it was blazing hot. The closest bathroom / water fountain was one floor down and it was two small bathrooms. The staff said that the air vents were in the lower area and it was very cold down there. People would put jackets over the vents it was so cold and so the balcony was hot. That seems like very poor design for building built in 2005.
The first announcements could not be heard in the balcony either (I was the last row, so lower levels may be fine.) Once the concert started though the sound was fine.
The only other issue I had was the elevator attendant told me I could not use the elevator and needed to use the stairs. I guess I looked too young, but I have a bad knee and 4 flights of stairs did a number on me, thus the need for water, which I had to go back down a flight and a half to get there. The layout was just bizarre to me.

Strathmore is an excellent venue for all performances with great acoustics, very comfortable seating and good views. Ticket counter customer service is impressive with Strathmore's flexible policy of allowing for ticket exchanges, as long as within certain guidelines.
Logistically, Strathmore is easy to reach and offers free covered parking (for most performances) connected by a breezeway which leads right to the theater.
Highly rated *****

This is a great venue for all sorts of performances. BSO concerts are the best. Great seating and sound. Parking is a breeze - easy in and out.

Fantastic way to spend two hours! The food was terrific, the service charming, the Mansion beautiful. The day we scheduled our tea the Mansion featured an exhibit of children's book illustrations. The music during our tea was provided by a husband and wife duo of flute and guitar. A spectacular, vintage afternoon!

We only recently discovered the Strathmore and have already attended several events there. I'm sure we will be returning for more! It is very conveniently located off the Capital Beltway, near many great restaurants, with easy parking.
The staff at the Strathmore are very friendly, attentive, and helpful.
The performance hall itself is gorgeous. The seating arrangement is fantastic, great views, and super acoustics.
I would have liked the have seen some better options available at the bar.

Saw Tchaikovsky's Nutracker performed by the Moscow Ballet Company. Of course, the music was wonderful as was the ballet, but the sound system was also terrific. The seats are very comfortable with plenty of leg room and clear lines of vision. The bathrooms are very clean and the lines were either very short or nonexistent. The only negative was that the lines for beverages at intermission were so long that you could not get a beverage with enough time left to enjoy it before the second act started.

Nickel Creek — on their first tour in seven years — had a full house at Strathmore just rocking’ in their seats. It was a magisterial performance: their command of their instruments has to be seen and heard to be believed. Strathmore is our favorite venue in the DC area. The three issues we had: the band’s show used a non-stop spray of mist blowers on the stage. The vapors irritated my wife’s eyes, and it eventually made the entire venue feel steamy; the accompanying light show was simply distracting; and the acoustics were so bad for their voices that we missed about 80% of the words. Never mind, though: this was fusion music (country, folk, neo-classical, bluegrass) for the ages.

This is an amazing venue to see performances. The seats are comfortable and you can see the show from almost any seat.

Excellent venue for musical events. Not a bad seat in the house. Excellent acoustics, easy free parking at nearby Grosvenor Metro garage on the Red Line. Washington ho,e of the Baltimore Symphony. Recommend.

Strathmore is our favorite DC-area venue for music. No bad seats. Great acoustics. Soothing color scheme and furnishings. Helpful staff. The only glitch is the complexity if the elevators and their snail's pace, so we avoid them when we can. Oh, and the area's most convenient parking, period.

This is a beautiful venue for music lovers! It’s light, airy and modern-looking with not a bad seatin the place. Another amazing feature is the free parking garage right across the street with a walkway that takes to straight to the venue. I recommend arriving early and grabbing a meal and drinks (food is good but not all that cheap). Very helpful staff as well.

I have seen many shows here from different viewpoints. Based on my experience there are no bad seats. Beyond that, the seating is spacious and comfortable. The architecture is spectacular and sound, spot on. The place shines.

Local musical ensembles use this venue as its home center. Some international performers are booked here too. The hall is lovely and the acoustics are decent. For the really big stars, however, one has to go to the Kennedy Center.
Its main drawback is that the building is built on a hill, so that to get to the main entrance, one has to go to the fourth floor from the parking lot. If one is seated in the orchestra, you'd have to go down the main staircase. Climbing up and going down. Very confusing place. You get used to it if you go there a lot. Just ask one of the volunteers, if you are not sure where to go.
Parking is free, however. For me, getting there is easy.

I went to see a concert at Strathmore and was expecting to pay half price for day-of discount ticket like every other venue that has available seats. I was told that even though there were available seats that there were no discount tickets. I spoke to the ticket window manager thinking that this was a mistake and he told me that Strathmore would rather let the seats go empty than sell them at half price. It's not like Strathmore is flush with money. It's not like the performers don't like a full house. It's not like local residents don't like our tax dollars being more effectively used. What are you thinking?
Very bad move Strathmore. Very bad.

the concert hall is wonderful. the ambieance is wonderful and the programming is outstanding. I would not recommend eating there. the food is not very good and inefficient.

Unfortunately the Prairie Home Companion show is mostly inaudible - very hard to distinguish words, especially when the piano is playing.
The acoustics are very poor and I would not come back.
Too expressive for a poor experience. Added to driving from Virginia in the rain made it a truly memorable evening. And not in a good way.

The concert hall at Strathmore is really modern and beautiful. Much nicer than Kennedy Center! Just be careful of the lines for the elevator. We waited for my dad for 15 minutes just because of the lines.

We have participated in numerous events here at Strathmore - very glad to have the arts represented in such a wonderful venue for the entire community to enjoy, both big and small events. Strathmore does a great job in its programming - both in terms of big/small artists, pricing and its affiliations with youth organizations. Check out their website for more details. Parking can be an issue though and be sure to have your metro card if you plan to park in the garage.

We saw David Byrne with St. Vincent at the Strathmore in September 2012. The venue was great with regard to the accoustics, and the setting is almost intimate -- you don't feel far removed from the performers as you do at a large venue, such as the Verizon Center or Jiffy Lube. We sat in the orchestra and could see and hear everything perfectly. Parking is easily accessible (in fhe Grosvenor-Strathmore metro station garage). We had a very pleasant experience and will be keeping our eyes open for other performers that we like appearing at this venue.

There are great musical events in the beautiful concert hall, the charming mansion, and the lawn by the Gazebo. Convenient to the Grosvenor Metro stop on the red line.

Have attended numerous events at Strathmore and all were delightful. Convenient parking close by, inside acoustics are very good, they offer a wide range of events, snacks/drinks are lovely, and in summer the outdoor concerts are fun.

Tonight was my first visit to the Strathmore Music Center. The acoustics are terrific and the stadium seating is roomy and comfortable. Parking is free! There are an abundance of volunteers to help with seating. Beautiful facility.

Our children grew up on concerts here! Great prices for great performances in an intimate space. Our kids especially loved sitting on the balcony behind the musicians where they could look down and read the music with the orchestra!

We have been at the Strathmore four times now, to see Mandy Patinkin, Rockapella, and Aaron Neville....all very memorable concerts. Tonight we went to see Under the Street Lamp....supposed a show starring singers who had performed as a part of Jersey Boys, singing Doo Wop music. Well we have seen Jersey Boys and these guys wouldn't have made the cut. This was the only time in our lives that we left at intermission. This was their first week on the road for this show and Strathmore should have done more due diligence as they sure weren't ready for prime time. Although the theater was as beautiful as ever and acoustics were perfect, the temperature was very warm, actually uncomfortable. If they can bring in some better performers, we will go back, otherwise will save our money.

We attended the Nutcracker Ballet (Moscow Ballet) at the Strathmore. It was our first visit to this location. The hall is bright and open. We had box seats - which we loved! It seemed that no matter where you may sit - you would have good visibility of the stage. Note - if you are arriving by car -definitely allow plenty of time for parking. There is a huge parking garage directly across from the hall - but the line of cars entering is long. It took us 30 minutes to get onto Tuckerman Lane due to all the cars trying to enter the parking garage. We did use valet parking at the hall - well worth the $ 15. The location does have an onsite restaurant. Had we known that - we would have gone earlier, had dinner there - and avoided the long line of cars. We attended with a party of adult family members and friends. I do believe entrance into the facility itself is free (we did not have time to look around - but it seemed that there were some art displays and activity rooms); event entrance costs and duration are determined by the event.

We are so lucky to have a beautiful music venue in Montgomery County. BSO is a wonderful orchestra, programs are quite varied and accommodate all types of musical tastes. Sure beats fighting traffic and pay outrageous parking fees at the Kennedy Center.

If you are in the Washington DC area, even for just a few days, don't miss the Strathmore. They have a wide variety of world-class performances. The hall is outstanding. The sounds are amazing. So if you are coming here--or even better if you live here--go to strathmore.org and enjoy.

WE love coming to Strathmore. All the seats are great, the sound is amazing. But they are missing out on providing a decent restaurant. There are very few places in the nearby area to eat. But the Strathmore restaurant is like eating in the airport while you are waiting for your flight. No ambiance, no privacy, loud, etc. They should consider creating a nice restaurant there. Anyway, we love the place for its music and dance.

World class acoustics make a music concert very special. I'm tempted to say there's not a bad seat in the house. No views are obstructed, but it's probably worth extra to sit close to the stage if you like to "see" the performers well.

Strathmore is an incredible venue for the performing arts. Every performer we have heard there since 2005 has commented on the quality of the music hall. They education and outreach Strathmore does with the Montgomery County Schools is wonderful and helps introduce young people to the performing arts. Orchestras, jazz ensemble, soloists... Mozart to Broadway... Wynton Marsalis to Joshua Bell to Kristen Chenoweth to Irish tenors to... It has even premiered several new works. Awesome place!

We are season ticket holders for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's performances at the Strathmore. I prefer it over the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore. The acoustics are great and the seating more comfortable. I can't recommend seeing performances there any more highly!

When it was under construction a few years ago, all we heard about was how much it was costing to build the new Montgomery County (MD) performing arts center known as Strathmore.
Nowadays, we go there maybe five-six times a year for a concert -- choral, symphony, recital -- and every time we do, I remark on how glad I am that our county government (and others) had the foresight to propose and finance such a magnificent concert hall.
It has state-of-the-art acoustics, convenient parking, Metro access, pre-concert dining, etc. It makes me proud to be a taxpaying resident of such a progressive county and state.
It also occurs to me that every major event there must inject several tens of thousands of dollars into the local economy.

This gorgeous new concert hall is the second home for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the primary venue for the National Philharmonic Orchestra and offers a wonderful acoustic for classical music for soloists and orchestras alike. They also offer dance and pops programs of considerable interest. Sadly, handicapped access if awkward and elevators are slow.

We are fortunate to have such a fine concert hall in our neighborhood.
Excellent design, superb acoustics, and free parking!
But most importantly, the quality of the performances is truly outstanding.

This is one beautiful venue. It is very large and the sound fills the chamber. Dont know what else to say about it.. except, just awesome. Coat check, was fast in and out... I loved the food and beverage lounge and seating area... very nice! Would I go there again? Most assuredly!

I agree with the recent reviews. This is a wonderful facility. It is easily accessible by driving (on Rockville Pike/Rt. 355), with free parking in the Metro garage in the evenings, and is easily accessible by the Metro (Red Line, Grosvenor/Strathmore stop). If you arrive early, you can dine there or grab a glass of wine or beer and snacks. I too have not been disappointed in any seat. For music, there is a broad selection from gothic rock, jazz to classical. I've just visited the venue for music and not any of the dance programs nor for any of the children arts programs. Even though I've attended all pay events, there are plenty of free events.

My wife and I attended our first performance at Strathmore last night (Mike Mills and Bobbie McDuffie's Rock Concerto) and we're already anxious to return. The facility is beautiful with comfortable and spacious seating , the acoustics are great, ticket prices reasonable and the parking is not only convenient but free. While I was initially apprehensive driving from Northern Virginia at rush hour it proved less challenging than I thought it would be.

Strathmore is a welcome addition to the
Washington musical scene = a large well-lit auditorium with excellent acoustics - and best of all , free parking!

Varied programs ..I go very often..beautiful hall, good acoustics, good parking, nice cafe...I usually go for classical music concerts but they offer pop as well.

We were there with our friends for a Home Free Concert this past weekend. The venue is well laid out, parking is easy in the adjacent parking garage and the covered walkway makes for a pleasant short walk to the hall no matter the weather. Shuttle service via golf cart is available for those with walking challenges. AND there is valet parking available if you want to go the extra. Our seats were comfortable and sight lines were excellent. The only downside was that I couldn't get good cell reception. Not really their issue...

The Strathmore Music Center is a terrific performing arts space. It is as acoustically perfect as a large concert hall can be. My wife and attended the the US Navy Band Concert celebrating the 242 Anniversary of the establishment of the U.S. Navy. The acoustics were brilliant. The Music Center is easy to reach with free parking in the adjacent Metro Station parking structure. Depending on who is performing, this venue is suitable for everyone.

It was a very nice music and event center. Plenty of great sound and acoustics, and the place was large and lively. Parking was okay, and the place was kept up nicely.

They used tax dollars to build it and yet still charge outrageous prices to those whose tax dollars made it possible!

This is a beautiful contemporary venue with free parking in an above ground parking building. Spacious. Modern designs and lines. People are mostly dressed up, but not all. If you have a chance to go, do.

The ushers at the performance I went to would not help me locate my seat in the big auditorium, and the only advice they gave me was to exit the theater and go around to the side entrance to find it (no small feat, it involves a lot of back hallways and stairs), when I finally got to the other side the house doors were shut and the person at the door said I could not enter. By the time I was allowed to enter, there were people sitting in the seats that I purchased. The usher would not help me get them to move and he ordered me to sit somewhere else further back and to the side. Instead of being allowed to sit in the orchestra seats that I had paid for, I had to strain my neck to see the performance. It was a miserable and disorganized experience, and the ticket office refused to give me a refund. Will never see a performance here again.

Love this venue for concerts! You can grab a bite to eat and a drink before the concert starts and then go into this beautiful, unique venue for great music! I hope to return soon! The valet parking is helpful too!

Amazing venue. It’s small enough to get a great view of the performance, but with quality sound!
I’d recommend to arrive about 30 minutes early from the start of your event because parking is pretty hectic unless you know to go down the ‘other’ Tucker Ln. You can also enjoy a nice beverage ahead of time too with a great bar selection.

Living near Strathmore in suburban Washington, it is great to have this top-notch performing-arts facility so close. Once just a historic house where chamber music concerts were held, the 10-year-old, 2,000-seat concert hall has become a popular venue for the Baltimore and National Symphony Orchestras, as well as for dance performances and other concerts. Strathmore still has intimate chamber-music concerts, and has many educational facilities and classes. It is also accessible to the Washington Metro.

My wife and I have attended five or six events at the Strathmore. The Strathmore, located in Bethesda, Maryland, is close to our home and is more convenient and less expensive than other theatres such as the Kennedy Center, National Theatre, and Arena Stage. The Strathmore also offers free parking. In addition, the Strathmore has a small cafeteria style restaurant that provides very good food at a reasonable price. Most importantly, we have enjoyed all the events we have attended at the Strathmore.

A wonderful venue. Make one feel as if inside a huge, beautiful wooden sailing ship. There are big name performers and lots of lesser known performers. The acoustics are great and there is a plentiful variety of events.

Strathmore Music Center is a beautiful, state-of-the-art symphony hall with fabulous acoustics. It is the second home of the Baltimore Symphony directed by Marin Alsop, one of the most talented conductors performing today. Strathmore hosts a broad range of musicians--The National Philharmonic Orchestra, Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, Sergio Mendes,Step Afrika!, and more.
Dinner and drinks are available before the evening events.

They don't enforce the no videotaping policy. If you are sitting behind folks who are taping, it interferes with your enjoyment of the show. Tickets aren't cheap. This no enforcement policy makes no sense. And the folks who are doing it are violating copyright laws.

Sight and Sound... there’s not a bad seat in the house!
From the closest orchestra seat to the farthest corner of the upper balcony, every seat is perfect. Quite remarkable really.

It's a very nice venue. But the way they've built it little sounds carry. As in, anyone crinkling a cough drop or mint wrapper can be heard throughout the space. That and the heat tends to run a bit hot if you're up in the cheap seats.

Have seen multiple acts at Strathmore over the years, from Diana Krall to Joan Obsorne, Joan Rivers, and various classical music performances. It's convenient (on the red line, plus parking is available), and gorgeous. The sound is great, and very little obstructions in terms of views. If you happen to wind up at the very top last row, you might have some of the sound equipment in the way, but it's not that bad.
Food is very good. Price-wise, it is probably on par with what you would pay at a nicer restaurant.

We went to a Brazilian music festival (for free) and it was really nice.
Strathmore Music Center is conveniently located across the metro station (red line).
The architecture is beautiful. Seats are comfy and it has a great acoustic.
It has a lovely garden with gorgeous sculptures.

Strathmore is a wonderful concert hall. Location is very convenient for the Montgomery County suburbs of DC, and parking is ample and free, The building exterior is attractive, and the interior is ven better. Most important, acoustics and sight lines are outstanding everywhere we have had seats,

I attended a benefit concert here. The theater is beautiful in a great setting. Acoustics were incredible. Staff knowledgeable & friendly. And free parking! Easy quick access & no delays leaving.
Top rated.

I went here for a show around Christmas. I not only loved the show, but the food was great, as was the merchandise they were selling. It was comfortable and nice here, and I would recommend going to any production here.

We have attemded a variety of concerts from the BSO classical concerts to Diana Krall and the acoustics are wonderful no matter where you sit. It is close to the METRO and parking is accesspble. I

The staff were very friendly and guided us to our seats with ease. Very clean bathrooms. The elevator operator was extremely knowledgeable and quickly and accurately provided information. She even remembered which area were to be seated.

A music hall that serves as the second home of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra that evokes the great houses of big cities, this gem is in Bethesda, MD. It draws all manner of entertainment and serves as the home to several youth artists groups including the Young Artists of America and the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra. It is the dream of every musician to play in such a well-designed and acoustically superior venue. Following their programs is a true cultural highlight for all Marylanders.

Great performances with easy access. Just went to a symphony concert there. Parking was easy. Balcony seats were wonderful... and not expensive. It is a first class concert hall...most convenient.

We recently attended the opera "Wagner's Rienzi" since our daughter is now a member of The National Philharmonic Chorale. We were just delighted. The parking was ample and just a short walk through the bridge. The venue was beautiful, just beautiful. Acoustics were amazing and the staff very friendly and professional. They offer light dining and drinks prior to the event. We hadn't been in years, but will be attending quite often since our daughter will be performing. We were very pleased with the concert, the view was good from any seat.

The acoustics are fabulous and the setting is gorgeous. Lots of music and cultural programs to choose from, as well.

We attended what we thought was going to be a Christmas concert by Mannheim Steamroller (Dec. 12th). The performance was excellent, if you like their style of music, but only 50% of what was played was Christmas music. Additionally, poor quality rear-projected video was distracting, rather than enhancing. The $98 dollar orchestra tickets weren't worth their cost.
The hall itself is very comfortable with fabulous acoustics. The seats are plush and sight-lines are very good.
Free parking is available in the Metro garage across the street. It's about a two block walk into the hall, across an enclosed pedestrian bridge, but an airport-like shuttle cart is provided for those who have trouble walking. You can also use valet parking for a $15 charge.
The hall is very accessible and wheelchairs are even available for those in need.
Some of the ushers may need a bit more training. I noticed many people trying to find seats on their own, with limited success. One usher didn't realize that all the even seats were on one side and the odd seats on the other.
I'll return, but for a better concert.

I attended a performance by the Atlanta a Youth Wind Symphony last weekend at the Strathmore concert hall. Parking was easy in the garage, free and we were able to use a covered bridge over the road to stay out of the rain. The staff was friendly and helpful in purchasing tickets and guiding us. None of the food areas were open so I can’t offer comments on that aspect. The sound quality from the main floor was excellent. We were on the upper portion of the main floor. Ideally, the balcony or boxes would be the best spot to see the back of the stage; however, they were closed for this performance. (We were looking for our trumpet player in the middle of the group.)
Both stairs and an elevator are available for moving between levels. Overall, a very pleasant experience.

The concert hall at Strathmore is outstanding. Every performer comments on the quality and great acoustics. Strathmore has a wide-range of programming from symphonic music to blues and pop, dance, recitations (think Garrison Keillor) and more....

From Pat Methany to Baltimore Symphony Orchestra the Strathmore offers a plethera of live music ans entertainment for all. We really enjoy BSO off the cuff. Check it out. Easy access and parking.

Wonderful productions at the Strathmore! The wood throughout the hall enhances the sound tone and the seats are truly comfortable. We have seen classical concerts and revival shows like the Beetles-Love play there. Tickets are fairly priced and not a bad seat in the house.

It was a close call whether the BSO would continue, but even if the orchestra had folded there's PLENTY of great music in many genres at Strathmore. The seats all have great views, the decor is at once thrilling and calm. Foe the seats all the way back and up, gives new meaning to nose bleed: watch out if you get vertigo!

We live in DC on Capitol Hill. We have known about the Musical Center at Strathmore since it opened up but for obvious logistical reasons we avoided. We were recently given gift tickets to a performance by the iconic female comedian, Carol Burnett, and chanced to go. Upon arrival we were immediately impressed by the large, modern hall, notwithstanding the endless, confusing stairs, escalators and elevators necessary to navigate to our seats. It turned into a horror story at the conclusion of the performance when two thousand patrons headed for the doors at the same time, many with walking canes, crutches and walkers. It took forever to maneuver and exit the building. This place is a disaster waiting to happen.

I have seen several National Philharmonic concerts, including two with full chorus, at Strathmore. It is a really beautiful space, easy to get to, with comfortable seats and excellent acoustics. I usually get seats one level up from the orchestra, at the back of the hall, in the first or second row. From that vantage point, the view is superb! It is a moderately sized hall, so no matter where you are seated, you are never very far from the performers.

Great acoustic and very comfortable seating. Casual atmosphere. You can come after work and have some vice bites either inside or on the terrace outside before the concert. You can meet the musicians who are often available at the end of the concerts.

If you live near Bethesda MD and enjoy tea, you should check out The Mansion at Strathmore. High Tea is held a few weekdays and about one Saturday per month for us working folk. The tea and abundant tea sandwiches, canapés and dessert goodies are served on lovely china by volunteer 'Tea Ladies' and it makes for a delicious and cultural afternoon. The setting is the delightful Mansion and there is always live music such as a pianist or cellist adding to the wonderful ambiance.
Men are welcome so bring them along. Also allow a few minutes for their wonderful gift shop which has unique gift items. Parking is free or take metro to the Grosvenor station and walk over. Tea attire is not required, but it is best to dress up a little for this experience.

We saw Mannheim Steamroller. Though not overly happy with the show, the Concert Hall itself was extraordinary. The sound quality is superior to any place else we have been in the region, far better then the Kennedy Center's Concert Hall, and without a doubt, superior to the Lyric Opera House in Baltimore. Just beautiful. Aesthetically pleasing as well and very clean. No, we will not go to a Mannheim Steamroller event ever again, but we will definitely be returning to the Strathmore.

The auditorium has excellent acoustics and the architecture is amazing.
A beautiful experience overall.
There is ample parking

What makes the Strathmore better than the Kennedy Center for this Virginia resident who lives closer (but only as the crow flies) to the Kennedy Center: (1) Unlike the Kennedy Center, which tacks on a hefty ticket handling fee, you pay one price for the Strathmore ticket; (2) Strathmore parking is free, unlike the Kennedy Center, where you either pay $23 in its garage of $13 plus a walk; (3) the program notes at the Strathmore, at least for the BSO, are clear and helpful compared to the Kennedy Center notes; (4) there is one hall at the Strathmore, so there's less confusing traffic before and after performances; (5) there's more variety at more sensible prices at the Strathmore cafe/restaurant; (6) it's less of a hassle to pick up tickets from the box office at the Strathmore. The hall at the Strathmore is marvelous and more intimate as a space.

We try to visit at least a few times a year. Get on their email list so you get early notice of upcoming events and can get the best seating. We have not eaten a meal here before the concert, but we have had drinks. Depending on the crowd, you can spend a fair amount of time in line waiting to be served, so it's probably best to dine and drink before you go. The parking is great--free and very accessible. If you like getting out of the lot fast (or want to get out faster), park on the one of the floors closer to the exit and be sure to back into your space for an easy pullout. It can take up to half an hour to get out if you're on one of the upper floors, especially those with easy access to the walkway, and other patrons are not always very polite in letting you back up into traffic. We've actually witnessed a few altercations in the lot when patrons get frustrated about being cut off or if a long line of cars refuses to let someone exit their space. We prefer the orchestra tier for seating; it's almost as close as the orchestra, a little cheaper and still close enough that you can the expressions of the performers.

My third time here, and simply love this venue. Whether its the BSO or Alan Cummings like tonight, its just a local gem. Great acoustics, sight lines, parking, food, etc.

Modern theater with excellent acoustics.
Concerts and performances of leading musicians.
Convenient parking of cars and the possibility to reach the metro station.

Went with my sister to see Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in concert. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Justin Freer, was absolutely delightful. Watching the original Harry Potter movie while listening to the original score being played by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra was amazing and a real treat. The Strathmore Music Hall is more intimate than the Kennedy Center downtown and much more convenient. A wonderful experience that I certainly hope to repeat in the future.

One of the homes of the Baltimore Symphony orchestra. It plays here as well as other classical and show musicians.

Strathmore offers concerts by a major symphony, the BSO, and also the National Symphony. But it also has individual concerts with major performers, while the Mansion features soloists, artists, and young musicians on the rise. We are blessed to have such a vibrant and successful venue clkose to hom.

We attended an afternoon tea party at Strathmore during December for a co-worker's retirement celebration. It was small and intimate and the music was very enjoyable. I'm not a big 'tea' person (I had the champagne!) but she is and she loved it. The food was just what you'd expect and fun to try. The tea pots were all different and very fun. There is also a small gift shop with some really unique items where many of us purchased a holiday gift or two.

My boyfriend and I have been to several concerts at The Strathmore (though the address reads as Bethesda, several people also consider it to be in Rockville, MD). The last show we attended was in September 2013 it was a Rat Pack Tribute which Joey Bishop's son created (great show, by the way, except the Dean Martin singer did not sound too much like Dean). We have also seen Shery Crow, Queen Latifah (she sang her pop/jazz songs from two of her CDs), Natalie Cole, Patty Austin with The Count Basie Orchestra and Chuck Brown (RIP) at The Stathmore. Ticket prices are usually reasonable (and if the show is canceled, by the theater, you get a full refund back which is a plus). There are no additional service fees, for tickets, either. They can mail your tickets to you if you prefer not to pick them up at the box office or obtain them online. The audience has always been good which adds to the nice atmosphere, at The Strathmore. There is free ample parking, at the Grosvenor Metro Station next door, during concert times. Thus, it's also convenient to get to if you prefer to take the subway versus driving. There is a restaurant on-site though we opted not to dine there. The venue is very nice inside with comfortale seats and a range of floor levels to choose from. The box seats, in the upper tiers along the side, are movable so you can position the seat the way you want it. The theater decor is very nice and the acoustics are really good. Clean bathrooms are on every floor. Like The Meyerhoff, in Baltimore, MD, the theater is just the right size. for a large theater, and is not overwhelmingly big. During their open season concert (the very first show each year in the Spring), the theater hosted dancing, to jazz music, immediately after the concert, which was classy.

Have been to Strathmore a number of times. It is a great venue. The hall is lovely, the acoustics are wonderful and there really isn't a bad seat in the house.
Easy to get to by metro or car and plenty of parking.
We enjoyed our Wynton Marsalis concert on 1/26 and are looking forward to returning.

The staff was kind and helpful, the venue is beautiful, and we enjoyed a great show! The only problem was the traffic jam getting in from the main road. Better signage might be helpful!

This was our first visit to this venue and will be my last. The band that played was great once they finally took the stage, but that's not what this review is about. It was raining pretty hard that evening and we arrived, parked in the garage across the street, and were allowed into the building to get our tickets from will call. After that we were pushed outside to join everyone else waiting. At least it was under cover but not one vendor was around, not even to sell a bottle of water. There was not one bench either, that wasn't out in the rain. So we were all made to wait outside until the ushers allowed us in, and then their internet was down because of the rain, meaning that they had to cancel tickets by names on a list or by tearing the physical tickets. Thank God we had physical tickets that night. Our seats were in the upper tier which meant that we had to climb two staircases (there is an elevator but we didn't know that) to get to the seats. The people with the clipboards were blocking the stairway entrance, trying to check names. Not a good system. That was the second checkpoint. The first was getting past the ticket tearers, where everyone was jammed up (forget social distancing here) trying to get past that hurdle. This was a complete mess. They sure were vigilant about yelling at customers to have masks on though. If they had been that efficient with the ticket process, it would have been a lot easier for everyone. Coming out was no picnic either, with the same rushing and crowding to get back down to the elevators and get out of the garage. This was a nightmare, and being one of the first in that garage that night turned out to be a penalty. We waited a good half hour before the levels above ours empties out with no problem. It was hot and nauseating smelling every driver's fumes in that garage for that long. I stood outside the car to try to keep some space open so that hubby could back out (another mistake, don't ever back into an enclosed public garage), and when someone finally decided to let him out, some moron in a white truck drove up the wrong way behind him and just stopped. I don't know what (if any) rationale there was in this place that night. I can only conclude that the customers there that night were all in a huge hurry to get out and didn't care one bit about anyone else. The white truck just sat there, stopped going the wrong way, until he go yelled at to move. What on earth? Then as we finally approached the exit, another nimrod comes around our car (there weren't two lanes) and cuts us off to get out of the gate. This area and its self centered mentality are too much for me. Never again.

We made a special trip from Richmond Virginia to see the Moscow Ballet presentation of The Nutcracker. It was very rewarding. The facility is modern and beautiful. It seems that all seats have a good view. The Nutcracker was only for 2 nights. Next Christmas they may return.

As a season ticket holder for classical concerts at the Stathmore I obviously think highly of both the venue and the quality of the Baltimore symphony orchestra that plays there. It is by the Grosvenor metro station and has ample parking at the station.
The concert hall is a beautiful achievement in undulating light wood, comfortable seats, good sight lines, and good acoustics. Come early and have a high quality cafeteria meal before the concert. Or have some good wine from the wine bar. Avoid the plonk at the bar.
The Stathmore also has concerts of other kinds of music and entertainment. They are quite enjoyable, so keep you eyes pealed.

My family has attended many concerts here (Balto Symphony Orch and resident National Philharmonic Orch). Gorgeous concert hall, with excellent acoustics - whether orchestra level or nosebleed seats. Right off the beltway. Free parking and literally steps from Metro. National Philharmonic concerts are free for 13 yrs and younger. A real gem.
Oh, yes there are lots of other genres available as well.

I loved the architecture as I was walking through the venue. So bright and modern and buzzing with energy. However, when I finally made it to the correct section to find my seat, things changed for me. Our seats were on the front row of the balcony and when I went to step into the isle to go to my seat I was blown away by the space between the railing and the front row seats, BUT, the real danger lies in the railing itself. It was so mind boggling low that anyone with balance issues, or someone who is even slightly intoxicated could easily topple over this railing. I am 5'8" and have long legs. The railing was just inches above my knees. I have never been so shocked by a design and safety flaw at a major venue like this one. I realize that this decision probably has everything to do with not impeding the quality of view from the back rows... but at what expense to public safety? I'm a nurse with many assessment skills when it relates to risk. With so many patrons who have so many levels of mobility, I can only hope that someone who is seated in that front row does not move suddenly from their seat while someone is walking to their seat on that front aisle. It would be very easy for someone, especially someone who is tall, to fall right over that short railing. In fact, someone who is not bumped into could easily topple over that rail. There is poor lighting and its so high up! I was anxious throughout the entire concert, perhaps over thinking and obsessing what could happen in various scenarios. My only wish is that someone who was designing this railing in the first place would have been doing the "over thinking". I will return to this venue BUT only if my seats are on the floor. The music was just amazing, unfortunately I was too rattled by my seating arrangement and the "what ifs" to really appreciate the show.

Someone built a lovely building, and hired knuckleheads to manage it. About half the ushers are attentive and knowledgeable. The other half don't seem to know what direction to point you, or even to look up from their phones. After announcing that late patrons should wait for a break in the music to take a seat, they direct them with, complete with a flashlight in your face, to climb over you, and past dozens of empty seats, over others, to their ticketed seat. In the middle of a performance. How disruptive. The bars at intermission take only cash, turning a transaction that should take moments into one that takes so long, if there are more than 10 people in front of you, fuggetaboutit. I ordered wine in advance, which is what you have to do; but I really needed caffeine after a long day, and was 20th in line, and barely moved despite the long intermission. Strathmore tries to bill itself as a class establishment, but they have a long way to go to achieve that.

Just attended a concert by the national philharmonic, the Mesiah, most wonderful experience, you can take your children for free to any eve The!

Strathmore is a gem. Located conveniently just outside the Washington DC beltway and near a Metro stop, lovers of performance arts of all kinds can get here quickly and easily. The venue is elegant. The acoustics are lovely. And the selection of programs wonderfully diverse.

Take the free tour; it is worth it. My last event here was to see Diana Krall. She mentioned that there was no need for a sound check.

This gorgeous concert hall has fantastic acoustics and good viewing from every area. The food choices in the café are very limited. A three-course meal is $25 (not including beverages). The food is catered by Ridgewell's and is delicious but the portions are very tiny. I recommend eating elsewhere and coming to Strathmore to enjoy the show!

Great place to see a. concert. Parking is convenient,people working there are sooooooo nice. The sound is awesome. Some food available, but with so many options in the area for restaurants , you hardly notice the yummy choices there

I have been to many performances of varying musical genres over the last several years at Strathmore: rock, folk, blues, jazz. I have yet to hear a symphony perform, but I did hear a classical violin solo without amplification which was amazing. I have to say the acoustics are as good as any I have ever experienced in our community (e.g. Kennedy Center, National Theater, Lisner, Wolf Trap, The Barns, etc.). I even went to see Taj Mahal perform and I got tickets at the last minute, my seat was against the wall in the highest tier and it sounded great. I can't remember if there are any seats with obstructed views, but this is something that is usually stated when buying a ticket. When I attend a musical performance, I'm more interested in getting as close to the center of the sound stage than as close to the performer(s) as possible so I have not experienced a performance to the far right or left of the stage. I will say Strathmore is a modern acoustical masterpiece.

This is such a great venue with lots of excellent seating options. One unique aspect is for some performances they open up seating above and behind the stage, so if you enjoy really seeing all of the instruments in motion, I recommend giving it a try.
I live near Strathmore and tend to go to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performances. I recommend the "Off the Cuff" performances as you get to hear about the pieces being preformed and there is a bit of dialogue between the conductor (Marin Alsop) and the audience - there's usually a question/answer time at the end if you choose to stay for a bit.
There is free parking and the metro stops right at Strathmore, so it's really convenient.

Definitely visit Strathmore! You will love the sound and quality of music. I would say it is small place, but this is what makes the acoustic so good.
1. Check for activities and classes for kids.
2. Use metro to get there, Grosvenor Red Line. Any weather is a short walk.
3. Big parking garage, but gets very busy during performance days and there is limited spots on the street. Tickets are waiting for you, if you park wrong or forget to pay, you are warned.
4. If food place is open, you lucky to get a snack there, but better to eat, before you go there, it's $$$$.
5. It has free movies and performances once in a while, always check schedule.
I hope my small review and tips will help.

The theater is all bright wood so it gives the feeling of being clean. We sat in the handicap section that is really nice and has a lot of space. The only problem we had with Strathmore is, when you enter the main hall you walk a long ways before you get to the theater. We did not realize this in the beginning so when the usher asked us if we needed a wheelchair for my mother, we said no. Thank goodness they do have ushers through out the concourse because we needed one quickly. But the staff was very attentive and helped us right way,

I saw Chic Corea there recently and other artists previously. The acoustics are superb no matter where you sit. There is convenient covered parking adjacent to the Strathmore. There is also a convenient area to buy light food and drinks. But the big drawer is the music The venue books high-quality artists and they sound their best in that concert hall.

Strathmore is the half time home of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra but also has many other musical events.to convenient to Montgomery County. Parking is free in the evenings at the Strathmore Metro parking lot. All seats have a good view of the stage excepts perhaps those in back of the stage (I haven't sat there).

It has music, plays, symphony, you name it. It is as good as the Kennedy center and a lot closer for people in Bethesda and Rockville and Silver Spring

Strathmore provides a variety of top quality musical performances in a beautiful setting. The acoustics are excellent. Parking is free and convenient.

A friend and I got tickets for a Flamingo concert featuring FARRUQUITO the world acclaimed Flamenco artist. i had never been to the Strathmore.
We had seats in the Balcony, second row center. There could not be better seats to witness a dancer; I always want to watch the dancers feet.
I now prefer STRATHMORE to the Kennedy center for accessibility, cost, and comfort.
We did not eat there and the eating arrangements are unique. One can bring their own food or order from full course dining to burgers. I have never seen such an arrangement. I will probably elect to eat beforehand.

Excellent venue for concerts and other entertainment events. Attached covered parking, fully handicapped accessible, and at the Grosvenor Metro Station stop on the subway's Red LIne - one train to downtown Washington. Located just off the Capitol Beltway and Rockville Pike in Bethesda, MD.
Concert hall has excellent acoustics and comfortable seating. Food is available prior to events. I have even attended a wedding at this site and it was wonderful.

I have attended over a dozen different events at Strathmore and these of course vary with the particular concert or whatever. Most have been excellent and the schedule is constantly developing. This review is based on the facility itself.
The acoustics are world class--as good as it gets and better than any of the other venues that we have been at in the Washington-Baltimore area.
The architecture and aesthetics are also great.
The seats are very roomy and comfortable and organized so that even with people in front of you visibility is very good.
There is an orchestra, balcony, and very creatively designed boxes on the sides all with very good sightlines and the acoustics are great anywhere,
THere are also smaller aleas for meeting, small concerts, etc.
The location is excellent--right next to a Metro Station.
There is one thing that mars what otherwise is a terrific venue--the parking. In one way it was a brilliant idea to use the Metro Parking lot nearby for parking as most of the events are in the evening when most commuters have vacated the parking lots. However it is a 5-10 minute walk from the parking area to the Strathmore entrance. The grounds are nicely landscaped and there is a specially constructed covered pedestrian bridge to cross over the streets so there is no walking with traffic or across streets. In the Spring, Summer and Fall, this is a very pleasant walk, but in the Winter, especially in a snowstorm or a cold rain, this is a little uncomfortable. The walk way is in places in a wind tunnel.
For the handicapped person, this is really not terribly well laid out. Strathmore management go out of their way to ameliorate the parking problem for handicapped patrons by having a large golf course style buggy and they will take you from one end ot the bridge to the other. In theory this works well, but with the large crowed of a concert of other event they system falters. The bridge which seems wide fills up with pedestrians before and after the events. This makes the cart very hard to maneuver and lengthens the trip considerably. On a cold evening this is quite uncomfortable. Worse, there are typically many handicapped people either in wheel chairs or who cannot make the long walk. So there is extensive waiting time just to get the cart. We do not go so often in the Winter any more, and during the rest of the year, we always giver ourselves an additional 1/2 hour so we try to arrive 45 minutes before the start of the event. Also you have to figure on another 20-30 minutes to get out of the building to your car if you are handicapped. For he able bodied walkers you still need to leave yourself and extra 15 minutes to get in and seated.
What makes the parking situation for handicapped with their own week chairs or limited walking ability is that the rigid bureaucracy that has developed will not even allow the cars with handicapped passengers to drive up to the designed automobile entrance, drop off the handicapped passengers and then go to the parking lot and do the same for pickup after the event. This entrance road and doors were perfectly designed for this but the management allows no one to use it.
Other than this bureaucratic stupidity, Strathmore is a terrific facility.

If you have to go indoors to see a show, then the Strathmore is pretty darn close to perfect. Easy access from Wisconsin Ave.; a big parking garage from which you can access a skyway (4th level) to walk to the Strathmore; a cafe area where you can purchase food and beverages including alcohol; and a beautiful auditorium with multiple levels and great acoustics. Just saw Lizz Wright, Diane Reeves and Angelique Kidjo perform together last night. Perfect singers in a space that captured their vocal virtuosity. Yes, a bottle of water is a bit pricey, but the experience otherwise is nothing short of amazing.

The concert hall is exceptional, with very good acoustic and comfortable seats. The refreshment bar is decent, with several types of beer and wines, and snacks.

My family goes to concerts and shows at Strathmore probably once a month. We find great classical music programs, kids shows, ballet etc... parking is easy, access is great, prices are very reasonable - no complaints. I recommend Strathmore to all my friends - we have both Baltimore and National orchestras under the roof - what a joy !!
I am a bit concerned with the auditorium sound - having been to concert halls around the world, I am a bit disappointed with Strathmore - all the wood paneling seems to absorb too much sound.
Yes it is a modern and gorgeous building, I just wish the auditorium sound had a bit of the old world tradition. We have tried almost all seats in the hall - but nothing seems to work 100% for me.

For our first live performance since Covid started we went with a friend to hear Joyce DiDonato sing her Eden Project pieces (a pastiche of mostly early music arias and songs). Her voice is heavenly; the orchestra was sensational, and the hall — easily my favorite in the DC area (for acoustics, clean sight-lines, great appearance, and easy parking — was wonderful. Everyone present was obviously thrilled to be in a live venue. Mand we had a lovely picnic outside the hall before the concert.

I recently attended "sounds of Brazil" at the Strathmore and it was a great experience. The location is very convenient. Since it was a Sunday, I parked at the metro garage parking on the 4th floor and there is a bridge on that floor that takes you straight into Strathmore. They had indoor and outdoor events. The facility is so beautiful and well kept!!! The concert hall Marriott stage is huge and very nice. There is a nice little area to eat indoor or outdoor. It was my first time there and I was impressed. I will def be looking at their schedule for future events.

I have been to several music shows at Strathmore. During the summer they have free Wednesday concerts outdoors on the lawn. Fun, family atmosphere, can bring picnic or purchase food from trucks. Have also seen some paid concerts inside, including the Gypsy Kings. Great viewing and acoustics. Also they have good art exhibits.

The acoustics are wonderful in this beautiful performance venue. Easy parking though a bit of a walk to the hall.

I recently attended a Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) concert at the Strathmore. This was my first visit to this facility. It is superb in it's acoustics! I often listen to classical music with my eyes closed so that I can concentrate on the music. Several times I had to open my eyes to find the instrument(s) that were playing a particular note.
The hall itself is magnificent. If seated in the Grand Tier, please be aware that the steps don't go all the way down to the rail so you may need to access your seat from a different direction.
Parking is included in the event fee and is provided across the street at the Metro garage. There is a covered walkway connecting the garage to the Strathmore. Valet parking is also available ($15) for the event. This rate may change.

We saw Yiruma at The Music Center at The Strathmore and the acoustics were amazing! It is a modern music hall, with much more leg room than I have experienced in a concert hall. The staff were very helpful. Yiruma was absolutely amazing!

The Strathmore has become our favorite D.C. area venue due to its convenience (free parking right there), beauty and acoustics. S it's not perfect: if you depend on the elevators, you could wait 30 minutes or more, and if you walk, you could have multiple flights of steps and long hikes to tackle. But it's worth it. Great music in a great hall.

This was the third performance I attended at the Strathmore and the second Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Things I like about the experience 1. free convenient parking.
2. ease of getting to the venue, this venue is not in downtown DC I don't have to drive thru two or three rotarys to get there plus there was no road construction. 3. quality orchestras , the two orchestras I've seen here were World class the Baltimore symphony and the Dresden Staatskapelle plus good conductors and great guest artists.

We saw Diane Reeves here last Friday night. Everything was perfect. The sound and seating was perfect for the perfect artist. If an artist you enjoy is playing at the Strathmore, please make sure you go.

Strathmore is a GREAT place to enjoy a show whether it's Handel's Messiah by the National Philharmonic, some Beethoven, or a Jazz Festival. There really isn't a bad seat in the house. Parking is EASY and easier yet is riding the metro to Grosvenor (red line) and walking across the parking lot. You can get some food at the various vendors before the show starts and, again, there really isn't a bad seat in the house.

Been here for numerous events over the past several years. Every experience has been wonderful. I have sat near the front and in the top last row. The music is outstanding no matter where I am .

We saw Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis here Saturday night. The theatre is so pretty with all the wood and lighting. Our rear seats were excellent. The acoustics were great! The free parking in the next-door garage worked out fine. You take the pedestrian walkway on the 4th level to the theatre. It was easy to find a place to park. You can eat there at a dinner buffet, but it didn't look like much atmosphere.

I've enjoyed two excellent experiences at this music venue. The parking is free and convenient, which is a great benefit. And the seating and acoustics are good in the beautiful hall. But what impresses me most was the helpful ushers and one kind box office clerk. Last evening I arrived half an hour before the show, but my partner was trapped in a traffic jam and arrived late...and he had my ticket! Of course, I was not allowed to go in without my ticket and missed the first three songs, unfortunately. At that point, the clerk took a leap of faith and issued me a ticket, saving me from crushing disappointment. A very sad beginning turned into a very happy ending!

Strathmore Hall is easy to get via the Capital Beltway (I-495). There is free parking for evening events in the adjacent Metro parking garage. The garage is connected to the Hall via a covered walkway. The modern hall has outstanding acoustics. All seats have an excellent view of the concert stage.

Strathmore is the easiest great music hall to get to and from in the DC area. A super attractive hall with nary a low-visibility seat. Incredible variety of shows (we saw Voices of Mississippi) and great acoustics. Love this place!

Wonderful programs, and you can see and hear from everywhere. We have heard many concerts of all types there, and nearly every experience has been outstanding. The restaurant is not good, though, Little selection and no place to sit.

The Strathmore is a beautiful space with great acoustics. It is a wonderful place to see a play, ballet, or concert.

Our group of 5 good friends arranged to attend an afternoon performance of the Mozart Requiem by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra with a world premiere of "Berceuse Infinie" by Christopher Rouse. The Rouse piece was beautiful, a bit of a lullaby that sounded (in parts) like stretches of Richard Rogers' Victory At Sea and in others like portions of the score to the title sequence in the film of To Kill A Mockingbird. Modern and dissonant in parts, but quite lovely. The Mozart Requiem?...when was the last time a piece of music gave you chills? It was magnificent. As for the Strathmore itself: unbelievably convenient parking; an electric cart to shuttle those with mobility issues over the short bridge to the theater. Sitting in the hall is like sitting inside a giant jewel box: beautiful and understated, with clear sight lines from every seat, excellent acoustics, comfortable seats, and helpful ushers everywhere.

What a beautiful building. Elegantly appointed! Convenient parking and even valet parking. Food on site is upscale. And priced higher as well. We parked on the street and walked in, went to 3rd floor to go to the main entrance area, and back again. Net time we will figure that out better.
Great acoustics.
The opera hall holds about 2,000 we were told. Great views!
Excellent concert! Excellent venue! My first time and I will be back soon!

There were several paintings a few photographs and plenty sculptures....
I can say that I know a little about art and I understand that beauty was and is in the eye of the beholder… However! When you put the price tag of $2600 for a wire basket with silk flowers that look like they were left out in the rain for a year to be faded and weathered I start to question the taste level of people they are trying to sell to. There were also stacks of square pieces of wood. Now I can understand if these pieces were making some type of shape or giving some type of texture or color but they weren’t. They were pieces that looked more like left over scrap plywood that the creator glued together… $2300???? I would hide my wallet.

It's nice to have a concert venue in the suburbs so conveniently near a Metro stop. The acoustics are stellar anywhere. I frequently purchase tickets far back to save a few dollars and still enjoy the show.

If the only DC area places you think of when you hear "concert hall" are the Kennedy Center and Wolf Trap, think again. The Strathmore is a revelation. You can hear everything perfectly; there are no obstructed view seats anywhere in the house; people look delighted to be there. Getting to and from is far more convenient than anyplace else, and the attached garage (which doubles as a Metro lot during the day) is free to concert-goers. We've been there several times now, mostly to hear jazz, blues and some classical. Everything sounds wonderful in this hall, and the performers are clearly delighted to be there, too.

Strathmore Music Hall and a Arts Center is a world class concert hall and entertainment center. It seats just under 2,000 and features a wide variety of artists. It is the second home of the Baltimore Symphony I have seen a wide variety of performances from the symphony with Yo Yo Ma, To Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Chris Kristofferson. Parking for performances is free in the Metro Garage, a short walk across a covered pedestrian bridge and their is light food services provided by Ridgewells. The Mansion, next door has been converted to an art gallery with a very nice shop. In the summer they have free Wednesday night concerts, bring your lawn chair or blanket, bring your own cooler, or Ridgewells has a great BBQ and limited selection that you can take to you spot while you enjoy the performance, that usually lasts about an hour and a half. These concerts are free but if you park in the garage you must have a Metro parking pass ( in advance). Strathmore is on the Metro Red Line, Strathmore /Grosvenor stop. Both the concert hall and mansion are available for rental for weddings, receptions, and other events. I have taken advantage of the rentals and both my daughters have been married there. Check it out.

Right on the metro line and associated parking garage, so getting there by train is great or, if you are driving, parking is easy. It is a beautiful venue, nice food and wine available inside and grounds are pretty to walk around. However, to my ears, the acoustics are way to harsh and it actually is painful to listen to music, any kind of music, have tried different kinds, did not seem to matter. Will not go back, which is too bad because it is so close to home and really is a very lovely place. One other person has had the same reaction, but it seems most people are not so sensitive, so give it a shot, but be aware you may end up with a headache.

I have been to Strathmore about 10 times and never had a bad seat. Sound quality and staging are excellent. A simple great place to catch a show or other entertainment.

This was a great concert. If you like the trumpet this is a must attend concert. Not only was the National Philharmonic music fantastic, Byron Stripling was very entertaining and funny. Also, the Strathmore is a wonderful venue no matter the concert. A good idea is to preorder your drinks at the bar before the concert starts. Then you can skip the order line, which is usually long during intermission, and just pick up your drinks.

great venue with extremely good acoustics. Opportunity for large jam session before the music which lasted 3 hours

One of the charming mansions in Montgomery county , there are lovely themed Traditional Teas with entertainment about once a month, The house it self has a history and is a wonderful art gallery with frequently changing art shows, I have participated in quite a few of them. On the grounds as well is a State of the art concert hall,with amazing acoustics, the Baltimore symphony, with a Marin Alsop our fantastic conductor as well as many other performances. Not only is the sound superb but the architecture is beautiful to look at.

Recently saw Joshua Bell in concert with only his accompanist -- so the entire performance was Bell at his most wonderful. This was in contrast to a previous concert (not at Strathmore) where Bell only played one piece with the symphony. Message: always check to see how many pieces will be performed by the soloist. Strathmore has to be the template for all new music venues. It is so beautiful and has such a great feel to it, physically, with acoustics that allow for a great experience wherever one sits in the audience.

Fantastic venue, beautiful setting and wonderful acoustics. We also greatly appreciate the size and location next to Grosvenor metro. No need to drive! Highly recommend!!

Our first evening at the Strathmore for Kennedy Center lovers. There is so much pleasing about this venue, the convenience of parking at no cost (even if waits in and out a bit long) with a tunnel bridge, the beautiful wooded interior, the seating that provides an intimate feel, efficient box office, pleasant ushers, and pre-theater food options. --Appreciated the Porgy and Bess performance but should have been more familiar with the music operatic lyrics since it was concert rather than "play" performance. We'll keep our eyes out for other performances.

Strathmore is a beautiful concert hall that has year-long programming--including a lot of national and international headliners. Acoustics are terrific and getting in and out of the site is easy. Plenty of free parking directly connected to the hall.

We attended a Marine Band concert there. As usual for evening events, parking is free. This can be a tremendous savings compared to some other venues. The Hall is beautiful, the seats are comfortable, the acoustics are excellent. My wife and I have some trouble with stairs. They have 2 elevators there, but the wait for them can approach 10 minutes, due to the demand for them. Depending on your seat location, you still might have to go up or down several stairs, even if you take the elevator. The walk to a rest room from many of the seats can be considerable.
Nevertheless, it is an exceptional facility. I would not hesitate to go there again.

A hidden activity to do at the Strathmore is their afternoon tea. It is held in the main house which is a lovely old manor. The tea is simple and quiet, but they try to bring in live artists from the NSO or other performing groups to play a concert. It really is a lovely relaxing afternoon, and they have good tea! Further, they have nice gardens to walk through right outside the manor. I hope you go to the Strathmore for a different kind of concert that is very unique. Enjoy!

The four of us went to Strathmore for the world premiere of I Am Anne Hutchinson/I Am Harvey Milk. As always, this is one of the best (if not the best) venues for music in the DC area Every seat is wonderful. The acoustics & lighting are wonderful. Pleasant cafe if you want a bite to eat or a quick drink. Plenty of space in front of you in the auditorium so people don't have to tread on your feet. The parking and getting to/from also are superior. You'd be hard-pressed to ask for more.

We go to Strathmore over 10 times a year. The acoustics and sight lines are terrific. You can hear classical music, jazz, rock, folk and the service bands (The Navy Birthday Celebration is always great). There is free parking at the Metro station and the food and wine are better than the Kennedy Center

We saw Tap Dogs here and truly every seat in this nearly new opera house is fantastic. Also parking is super easy as you can park at the 4th floor of the metro lot and walk across the pedestrian bridge. There is also food and wine served in the lobby and many people were dining here before the show.

The Strathmore Performing Arts Center is a venue to showcase performers and ensembles that do not require the space required for an NBA basketball game. This includes orchestras, humorists (Carol Burnett?) seasonal performances including The Nutcracker Suite and a selection of individual artists that run a broad gamut of disciplines (Yo Yo Ma). Local schools also use the venue for some of their gatherings, the public schools showcase their ensembles there - the list is very broad. VERY convenient to public transportation, and near major roads and highways.
Strathmore also has smaller spaces for exhibits and intimate performances, including the original mansion.
There is also a large green space, used for Spring and Summer festival performances - there is no charge, so bring a chair and your dancing shoes.

Agree totally with other reviews. Having seen a lot of concert halls this is absolutely worth going to just to see the hall itself, and it's adjacent a Metro stop. There is a full calendar of events. The only drawback for us is that the Washington Performing Arts Society has cut down the number of its concerts and recitals, and has moved most of the best to Kennedy Center, which is hard to get to, and and pretty saggy baggy compared to the Strathmore.

I spent three days at this hall with a large group of musicians, morning to night, recording orchestral and choral music. The experience was excellent and was a tremendous success. The hall itself is modern and very well built. The staff was accommodating and professional. Our week of recording culminated in a live performance at the hall. Friends and family who saw the show were amazed by the hall and its acoustics. I look forward to performing here again.

Top level performers come here. We have seen the best baritones (Hrostovsky) best pianists (Matsuev) best conductors (Spivakov) and best saxophonists (Butman) here. We have been there many times as a family.

I usually go a couple of times a year. The last event was back in September. Saw Brian Wilson Presents Pet Sounds. Previously, I have seen such diverse acts like The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Rain-A Tribute to the Beatles, and Video Games Live.
Acoustics are good throughout the venue. Good sight lines from all seats. I would highly recommend seeing a concert or show at Strathmore.

I live near Strathmore and feel fortunate that it is so close by. It's a beautiful concern hall that brings big name entertainment. Tonight I saw Josh Turner and he was great.

My wife, son and I just saw The Brian Setzer Orchestra: Christmas Rocks Extravaganza @ the Strathmore Music Center in Bethesda Md, 12/04/12. First what an amazing show and experience! Brian Stezer is awesome; he and his band truly rocked the house in Bethesda. . This was our first visit to the Strathmore and what a beautiful venue. The acoustics and sound were state of the art and there was not a bad seat in the house. Can’t wait to attend another show, I must say truly an amazing experience

Comfortable seating, excellent customer service, clean facilities...generally a great place to enjoy concerts!

This place really serves the community. They have productions to please every member of your family from the little ones to the older sophisticate. In addition they offer space for classes for those who wish to take classes in dance, playing an instrument, or learning
to play in an orchestra. What a treasure! I attended the Baltimore Symphony recently and
enjoyed their wonderful playing in this hall with their marvelous acoustics. You can sit
anywhere and enjoy the music because the sound is so good. Montgomery County is
fortunate to have this beautiful and "giving" facility in our back yard!

Aesthetically pleasing, metro accessible, plenty of parking. Went most recently to watch a free outdoor movie. Really great time. Only suggestion--could have more food trucks. Ben & Jerry's was there, though! Have attended concerts there in the past. Love this place!

Wonderful venue and not a bad seat in the house. Running late and ate in their cafe. Food was not terrific but adequate. Wish they were open after the concert so we could have had coffee and dessert before heading back to Northern Virginia.

If there is a show you would like to see, this is a great venue. Easy access, a beautiful theater. You do not nedd to buy the most expensive seats! It is small enough to see great from anywhere. I like the side boxes. They are comfortable, with easy access in and out.

Strathmore is beautifully designed venue for a wide variety of show; mostly music oriented. They also have many different opportunities for classes in dance and music. Our favorite part of Strathmore is the "Mansion" which is the original house on the property, which has a great music room. This room, which can hold about 100 people has musical performances at least once a week. These range from well known performers, to performers who are part of their mentor program and some of the mentored students. We've never seen a bad show at the Mansion. The Mansion also has a very nice gift shop, with many unusual things.
Currently, they are having a series of puppet shows for all ages.

The concert was awesome and it celebrated the 1920s blues. My wife and I loved it and I would highly recommend this!

Given our choice of DC area venues for classical music, we’ve always preferred the Strathmore over the Kennedy’s Center. The Strathmore is beautiful; it’s got perfect sightlines from every seat; the prices are reasonable; the food and drink is reasonably priced; the parking is free, convenient, and just a covered 1-block walk from the hall. By contrast, while the venues in the Kennedy Center are beautiful inside, the building from outside just looks like the box that the Watergate came in; the cafeteria is noisy and dirty, with criminally high prices [last time we made the mistake of eating there, two salads and a glass of wine each came to over $50(!)]; parking is outrageously expensive too, and the traffic around concert time is heavy.
In spite of all this, the Strathmore has often been just half to 3/4-full, while the Kennedy Center has often been full. But tonight, the Strathmore had a totally full house. The couple sitting next to us had never been there before; they had fled the Kennedy because of Trump’s hostile takeover. And judging from the full house, about half the people in the audience were likewise asylum seekers. They all had stars in their eyes at how wonderful the place is. Now that our little secret is out, the Strathmore is gonna be full all the time, and the Kennedy Center will become a ghost town.

This concert hall is a jewel! I was able to tour the facility when it's construction was completed and have been a fan since! It was love at the first sight. The wood finished hall was all planed and executed to offer the best sound experience possible. By far the best concert hall in the Washington area.

Strathmore is a perfect place for concerts and the like. The acoustics are terrific, the seats are comfortable and the entertainment offered is excellent.

It is always a thrill to attend performances at the Strathmore. It is absolutely gorgeous and the acoustics are incredible. Parking is easy at the Metro, too.

When it first opened, I was astounded that our county government could sponsor the creation of such a beautiful venue for the performing arts. Years later, I still feel that way. The programming is eclectic, so no one will like all of the offerings, but there is surely something for everyone over the course of a season.
Sight lines and acoustics are all one could hope for, so don't worry about buying cheap seats in the upper reaches. Outside, there are beautiful grounds to stroll before or after a performance. A cafeteria offers quite decent selections at reasonable (for a concert hall) prices.
Strathmore is adjacent to a Metro station (Grosvenor-Strathmore) on the Red Line, making it an easy trip from downtown Washington or, with connections, from other suburbs. Parking in an enclosed garage is free on concert evenings (compare the fee at the Kennedy Center!), and a covered walkway leads from the garage to the concert hall. A golf cart will ferry people for whom that walk is a challenge.
All in all, a wonderful home for the performing arts.
All in all

Attractive, upscale venue conveniently located to drive to or take the city metro train. The acoustics are great, seating very comfortable. Parking is plentiful. Great line-up, check schedule frequently.

I recently attended a musical performance at Strathmore, and was very impressed with the Music Center. The design is beautiful and the Center has wonderful acoustics, which made for a very enjoyable evening. I've also visited the Mansion in the past to see some of the art exhibitions, and it was a visual treat. It's great that the venue is easily accessible by Metro and has ample free parking.

Went to see Olivia Newton-John and while it was a great show, I must comment on how helpful the staff was.

Great acoustics, great venue. A cultural icon worth a visit although my only gripe is they rarely feature my favorite artists here. I'll be back this November for the Canadian Tenors.

Pick anything at Strathmore and you're be really well pleased. The building is predominantly wood lined, and the acoustics are really warm and mellow. I've had seats at the orchestral, first and second tier and they all are really good. No issue where ever you sit. Pick a spot and you'll be happy, for sure.

Strathmore is easy to get to and park at with a good auditorium and good program of performances over the year. Its pre performance dinning area is small, especially in the winter, and not particularly comfortable.

My experience at the Music Center at Strathmore has been confined almost exclusively to classical music events. So take that into account when reading my review. For me, attending a concert at Strathmore is a double treat. You get to hear great music in a hall that itself is beautiful, comfortable and has amazing sound quality. It is located right off the Beltway. Parking is ample and free--and the parking garage is connected to the music center by a covered walkway (that features neon art on the ceiling). There is a subway stop right there (Grosvenor Station). And before the concert, the Promenade Cafe serves a buffet dinner that is quite good. What's not to like?

Fantastic Venue- so privileged to have it so close to home. We have seen numerous performers here and can't wait to see the next, Melissa Etheridge in August!

What a wonderful place. Beautiful. Not a bad seat in the house. I've been to many of the events there and love it every time.

We live walking distance to Strathmore and take advantage of the many concerts both indoors and outdoors. Don't overlook the mansion or the sculpture garden.

I went there for a Classic Music Concert, and the whole time I couldn't stop admiring the architecture of the place, Its acoustic is great and the view I was up and had a great view.
I am lucky to leave near by, as my kids have been there for summer camps, it is a great place with activities for all the family.

I saw the Brian Setzer orchestra at the strathmore and I was very impressed. The parking was easy and the place wasn't hard to find at all. They have a nice cafe where you can get dinner. I'd definitely go back to see a show. Killer acoustics too!!

Went in December to see Mannheim Steamroller. The show was incredible. Seating was very comfortable, the staff could not have been nicer. This is a great place to see a concert, and we will be back next year.

This is a very nice venue with plenty of parking and Metro-accessible too. The seats all have good views and the acoustics are fist-class. Just beyond Bethesda, where there are plenty of dining or after-show restaurants and cafes.

We go to the Strathmore for concerts and other shows all the time. It’s the easiest and quickest to get to, parking is free and directly next to the hall, and EVERY seat has an unobstructed view with perfect acoustics. Plus it’s a really pleasant place to be aesthetically. What more could we ask for?

This is a very classy venue I'd like to catch another show there, great parking, helpful ushers and you can also grab a cocktail .

The BEST acoustics of any theatre around. No bad seat in the house. Very good selection of attractions, easy in and out with free parking.

1st time inside the venue to see DRUMline Live & it was all the way live, an entertaining & interactive production.
Precursor to the performance, getting to the MCAS was a breeze, as it's a 5 minute walk from the Grosvenor/Strathmore Metro Station - Red Line. Through the parking garage, up 2 floors via stairs or elevator, you'll take the covered & illuminated breezeway to the venue.
The moment you approach the entrance, you're greeted with an inviting welcome by Ushers who are eagerly to assist. The Box Office is straight ahead for ticket purchases & Will Call.
There's 4 different levels; Orchestra, Promenade, Grand & Upper Tier. On the Promenade level is the Allegro Kitchen (café setting) offering a full menu open 2 hours before performances. I didn't dine yet did a casual menu look over: Salmon, Beef, Chicken, Black Bean Burger & Desserts.
I called the same day of the performance seeking a specific seat as I was having issues purchasing online. I spoke to Landon, he was polite, helpful & got me the seat that I wanted. Right Orchestra, last row, isle seat & my visibility was perfect. The acoustics was extremely clear, kudos to the Sound Team. From the Ticket Scanners, Ushers & Dining Staff, everyone was a pleasure to interact with.
Sign up to be a Strathmore Star Member and you'll receive great benefits, in addition to having a wonderful & entertaining visit at the Arts.

Great acoustics and site lines. Always choices on types of musical performances. Wonderful orchestra. Free for kids. Decent dining options. A real gem.

This is a beautiful concert hall with excellent acoustics. An extra added attraction is that there are free concerts on the lawn and less expensive musical experiences in the "Mansion". Very good website that provides all the information you need.

A very nice venue for concerts. We have season tickets for the National Philharmonic. Sometimes they have a pre-concert educational lecture. Very convenient free parking at the Red Line Metro garage. Easy access if you come by Metro.

This review has nothing to do with the quality of the Frankie Valli show we saw at the Strathmore last week. The performance, the second we have seen this year, was out of this world.
I see a lot of live music performances here in Nashville. And when we are told here that recording of live performances is strictly forbidden, we respect the performers and our fellow fans enough to obey the guidelines. Those who break the rules are dealt with swiftly and surely. We invested in 3rd row orchestra seats at Strathmore and were prepared to enjoy another magical evening. Of course there was the expected announcement that recording would not be tolerated. Okay, ready, set, go!
Almost immediately, patrons all across the 1st and 2nd rows pulled out all manner of recording devices, obstructing the views of those behind them and completely distracting attention away from the show we had all paid to see. You would think that the ushers are paid, at least in part, to make sure that all the patrons have a good experience at the venue. Such is absolutely not the case here!!! We were shocked and appalled to note ushers sitting with, smiling at, and chatting with the very patrons who were flaunting the rules and ruining the experience for everyone else. Kindly check the two female ushers (tall blonde and short brunette) who were working orchestra right on Thursday, 10/17/2014, and they will tell you that my sister and I complained again and again, only to be completely ignored.
I would never, ever, patronize this venue again and would urge all music lovers to avoid it at all costs.

Attended this venue for a few performances. Very nice environment. Seats are relatively comfortable. The acoustics are very good. Visibility is good at most angles but can be challenging if your seated in certain areas.

The Strathmore is a first-rate performing arts center, outside Washington, DC. Easy to reach by Metro; and the Grovesvenor Metro stop has a parking garage with free parking on concert performance nights.
Marin Alsop, artistic director and conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (the orchestra plays both, at the Strathmore, and at the Meyerhoff Hall in Baltimore), she has put together engaging programs, pairing much-loved classics with new commissions, easy to-get-to-know programs from movie scores to Star Wars etc. They are working hard to get a diverse music audience to the concerts. Touring acts, from Pat Metheney to Flamenco or Latin Big Band Jazz spice up the programs. The accoustics of the beautiful hall are great.

One of our favorite live music venues! The hall is gorgeous, the acoustics are great, it's right off the beltway (which is a traffic nightmare but that's another story) and the parking is covered and FREE! There is also a convenient covered walkway from the parking garage. A lovely place with eclectic offerings, The Strathmore is a real gem!

Recently attended an event at the Strathmore. A bright, airy feeling was to be had. Easy seating, navigable aisles,sufficient leg room made attendance at the event a pleasure. The ushers were most helpful and the rest rooms spotless.

I love the BSO, I love the National Philharmonic and I love, love, the Montgomery Youth Classic Orchestra--because I live in Montgomery County and I volunteer during the Fall and WInter seasons at Strathmore. The question is why do I volunteer?
Because I love the symphony and I am very proud of Strathmore. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performs here with the world renowned maestra, Marin Alsop. I have watched the Chinese Symphony here. Joshua Bell, David Koz, and other renowned performers come to Strathmore. Holiday season has the Washington Chorus, the NSO, the BSO, Washington Chorale Society among others and last year it had the American Ballet's Nutcracher as well.
If you are "local" anyone under 17 is free to come with you to any concert of the National Philharmonic. We took our son until he begged us not to take him anymore.
If you are not local, come to Strathmore and be wowed not just by the place but the concert. It is is world class, it is elegant, there is a whole army of blue-uniformed volunteers to get you seated and comfortable. There is a cafe in the lobby level, where you can have a bite before the concert, there is a tiny gift shop and a stone's throw away is the Strathmore Mansion. You get free parking if you park in the Grosvenor Metro station but you can also take the Metro to the venue. Take the RED LINE to Grosvenor, and walk on the covered path leading to the wonderful STRATHMORE SYMPHONY HALL.

A beautiful setting in an old estate where music fills the Shapiro room while you enjoy afternoon tea. A bit pretentious, but why not? Ladies more than others, some with hats, many with dresses, and some just everyday casual. Their signature tea is OK; would have preferred Earl Grey. Would have preferred some choices to the menu, but it is all prix fixe with some good, some blah choices, but all done in the proper afternoon tea style, first savory then sweet. It is a pleasant experience. Lovely gift shop.

We had tickets to see Rain--Beatles tribute band. The venue is magnificant, great sound system, outstanding parking, good food--don't think there's a bad seat in the house. Service fee is a bit high--10% of price--but worth it, if it keeps the place open.

Strathmore attracts many good performers in a comfortable auditorium with good acoustics. The Dinning area is mediocre and very crowded in the winter when no outside seating is possible.

The Strathmore is a beautiful concert hall. However, I had picked seats in the Grand Tier Boxes (Box 7 on the left side), which have an extremely low railing. There is a sheer drop from the box down to the orchestra section. If you have young children or are afraid of heights, this is not the section for you. In order to get a good view of the stage from our seats (5 and 6), you would need to move your chair right next to the railing. On the positive side, the box railing is not a solid structure. It is a series of slats so it does help viewing more of the stage that would be obscured by a traditional box railing. I am 5'1" and do not have a fear of heights, but I was not comfortable with this section. If your child has sensory issues, they do have a family room. It is a room in the back of the orchestra section where you can view the performance through the glass and the sound is not as loud as it is in concert hall. If you need to step out of the hall, you can see the performance on monitors right outside of the orchestra section.

We went to the music hall for a free event from marine band. Due to free event, there were full house. The ushers were very polite to help seat people. It was a beautiful night, We really enjoy the beautiful music hall.

I have attended a number of concerts at the Strathmore Music Hall. The acoustics are wonderful and you can see well from almost any seat. Free parking is definitely another plus. Those of us who live near Strathmore consider ourselves very fortunate to have such a treasure in our backyard. If time permits, go to the mansion and visit the lovely gift shop for some original gifts and cards.

The door was unlocked, so we went inside. A lone student was practicing in the Levine Center, and a gentleman stood behind the high desk near the entrance. My sister-in-law is an usher there, introduced us, and we were treated to an informative and intimate tour of the facility, from the boxes to the balcony to the small rooms where private events for major donors and special guests are held. The facility is curvaceous, the wood trim and construction elements warm, a stairway soars, and the colors subdued. Some surfaces are decorated with mounted art, the pieces made with elements from and resembling musical instruments were striking.

The Strathmore Music Center located in Rockville, Md. Is a stunningly beautiful music venue featuring classical and jazz events and a few scattered folk and pop concerts for good measure. The acoustics...exceptional. sight lines....excellent. convenience....excellent. Make a date to go to the Strathmore...you will be pleased and I'mpressed with the whole experience.

Acoustics are exceptional! Great seating and view of stage is great no matter where you sit. A beautiful facility and perfect concert venue.

As part of a leadership program, a group of is got a tour of the Strathmore. It's a magical place: not a bad seat in the place; acoustics that are perfect simply beautiful furnishings. As part of the tour, we got to go out on stage (see photos) and still through the dressing rooms. Sensational.

This is one of those cherished venues with a great reputation for solid performances, comfortable seating, and good pricing. They are so popular that I suggest you plan ahead and keep the calendar on your desktop. Safe, free parking and fine customer service round out the an experience that can be repeated often.

great music hall for those who enjoy live music & artist that are musicians.Bonus free parking at grosvenor metro

As an anniversary gift, I purchased tickets for my husband and I at Strathmore Hall-Music Center. The faculty is just beautiful! Great for kids, families and couples. Good selection of programs. Very easy to get in and out! Convenient parking, bathroom locations, modern and spacious! We will be back!

We went to a few of the summer concerts, the prices are better in the grand tier and the acoustics and view are still great. No charge for parking and you can walk in the outdoors during the intermission (if you go downstairs) or before the concert. Very pleasant.

We saw the Christmas program with the Baltimore orchestra and chorus, along with the ballet and acrobatics performances. It was a great performance. The space is very well designed. Our seats in row b on the second from top balcony were excellent. It looked as though there wasn't a bad seat in the house. Volunteers could have been a little more friendly, but overall great experience.

With the excellent accoustics, awesome sound system, stunning venue (there isn't a bad seat in the house), and ease of entry/exit, I look forward to every visit to the Strathmore. Parking is a breeze and free in the adjacent parking garage during performances and it also has metro access. I saw Bill Engvall perform his comedy routine there last night - he had us all rolling in the aisles!

This is local to us, so we have been there many many times for both indoor and outdoor events and the shows have been fun nearly every time. We keep going back because of the quality of the performances.
We will probably go keep going there because we are neighbors, but every event leaves a bad taste in the mouth...The quality of the performance is not under the control of the venue, but Strathmore can and should do something about what they can control: Every single show in the hall is late in starting and the ushers are mostly sleep-walking. That's shame.

This is a review of the venue, not of any particular show.
We've just about stopped going to the Kennedy Center because Strathmore is so much easier to get to, and the parking is free. The acoustics are excellent. I would suggest Promenade Front Right or Promenade Front Left for seating. From there you're about 20 feet above the performance floor so you can see and hear the performers easily. And there are only two rows of seats in each Promenade so your view won't be blocked. However, this place was built for musical performances, not for plays, so you won't see plays at The Strathmore.

The Strathmore had incredible acoustics and this group of very professional and wonderful performers put on a once in a lifetime show. So glad we were there. Can't wait for the next concert.

We regularly visit Strathmore Music Center for concerts, and whether it is a full symphony orchestra or a solo recital by our friend, pianist Brian Ganz, the acoustics are outstanding. The building is dramatic, and parking for concerts is free at the Metro garage connected by a bridge over Tuckerman Lane. It's a bit of a hike from the garage to the concert hall, but there is a cart running back and forth on the bridge for those who have trouble with the walk. And there is valet parking for a fee. We park in the open lot adjacent to the garage -- a bit more of a walk, but easier to get out of after the concert.
There is some awkwardness to the lobby spaces outside the auditorium -- lots of steps to the various tiers, and waiting for elevators can be tedious. In addition, though there is good food available before evening concerts, the seating is quite limited, so you would want to arrive quite early to enjoy that.

The programs are wonderfully selected so that everyone can find something for their appreciation. Seasons tickets are a bargain compared to the Kennedy center.
All the seats are good. There is easy access for wheelchairs. The Metro system has a stop at the venue, which is very practical. Parking is reasonable.

The Georgian-style Strathmore Mansion offers a charming afternoon tea on selected days throughout the year. Local talented musicians provide acoustic music. Our group reserved a table for 6. The seating starts promptly at 1 pm and we were immediately served individual luncheon plates containing "savories" on china.This is catered by Ridgewell's. Unlimited tea was poured from a china tea pot with a "cozy".Wine was available for a small fee.Individual dessert plates were brought forth with a half-dozen "sweets" toward the end of the luncheon. I have brought friends to tea at least once a year and my companions are deighted with the intimate atmosphere. The Mansion is handicapped accessible.

It"s such a pleasure to atend concerts at Strathmore. A combination of distance and expensive parking led us from season tickets at the Kennedy Center to Strathmore. We especially enjoy matine concerts. On a downside Strathmore is not especially handicap friendly. There are always long lines at the too few elevators.
We have been to Strathmore several times, and each time the performance is well done, the venue itself feels welcoming and nicely designed, and it's conveniently located if you want to go somewhere other than downtown DC.
The trade-off often is that acts are not quite to the level or celebrity of what one might see at the Kennedy Center or National Theater, but they are close and sometimes are fully competitive.
Happy to endorse this not-so-hidden gem in the suburbs.