Centennial Hall
A monumental UNESCO World Heritage site, Centennial Hall boasts striking circular architecture and formal gardens, hosting major events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the buzz of live shows
Centennial Hall
Best Time
Experience the buzz of live shows

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental UNESCO World Heritage site, Centennial Hall boasts striking circular architecture and formal gardens, hosting major events.
"The building itself is truly impressive—spacious, elegant, and well-designed for large events."
🚗 Parking Pointers
Research event parking in advance to avoid tickets & delays. :car:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring your own water or expect pricey, unchilled drinks. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Architectural Marvel
Experience the grandeur of this massive, circular UNESCO World Heritage site. Its unique design is a sight to behold.

Formal Gardens
Stroll through the elegant formal gardens surrounding the hall, a perfect complement to the impressive structure.

Exhibition Space
Discover major exhibitions, cultural events, and sporting spectacles held within this versatile venue.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Parking & Entry
Comfort is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
First performance at Centennial Hall on campus yesterday and parking was horrible….suggestions for next time??
🚗 Parking Pointers
Research event parking in advance to avoid tickets & delays.
:car:💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring your own water or expect pricey, unchilled drinks.
:droplet:I’m doing a summer program at UMN and staying in Centennial Hall. I’ve heard the community kitchens are out of commission for the summer and I don’t have a meal plan. Any ideas on how to manage this/prep food?
🪑 Seat Comfort
Wooden seats can be uncomfortable; consider a cushion for long events.
:seat:🎶 Sound Check
Sound quality can vary; be patient with initial adjustments.
:musical_note:Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Pointers
Research event parking in advance to avoid tickets & delays.
:car:💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring your own water or expect pricey, unchilled drinks.
:droplet:🪑 Seat Comfort
Wooden seats can be uncomfortable; consider a cushion for long events.
:seat:🎶 Sound Check
Sound quality can vary; be patient with initial adjustments.
:musical_note:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Centennial Hall is lauded for its impressive UNESCO-recognized architecture and beautiful surrounding gardens, offering a visually stunning experience. However, many visitors report significant comfort issues during events, including inadequate ventilation leading to a hot interior, inconsistent sound quality, and a lack of essential amenities like readily available water.
"Beautiful Venue, But Poor Experience at the Concert
The building itself is truly impressive—spacious, elegant, and well-designed for large events. Unfortunately, the experience during the concert left a lot to be desired.
Despite the venue not being overly crowded, it was extremely hot and stuffy inside. The ventilation was clearly inadequate, and at times it was hard to even breathe comfortably. This really took away from the enjoyment of the event.
To make matters worse, the sound settings were completely off for the first two songs—distorted and poorly balanced, which was disappointing, especially at the start of the show. On top of that, there wasn’t a single bottle of still water available for purchase, which is unacceptable in such conditions.
While the venue itself has a lot of potential, the lack of basic comfort and organization during the event was a huge letdown."
Georgia P
"This UNESCO site is so cool. It's got a long history, neatly laid out in the visitor's center. I enjoyed the VR experience as well. Walking around the site itself is surreal. Such a massive venue that was built so long ago. It also happens to be the filming location for the 2023 Hunger Games movie, which made it even cooler to visit."
Ethan Shoe
"We visited centennial hall for a concert.
The architecture and gardens were beautiful but the ventilation and lack of facilities let it down.
The band also mentioned that the sound quality was unique (not in a positive way, asking if we could hear them ok).
The seats are wooden and can be quite uncomfortable after a period of time. They are also quite close together so not ideal if you are tall.
Drinks could be purchased but they were expensive and not refrigerated. I’d recommend buying a drink from the vendors outside and bringing it in.
Signage for sitting vs standing wasn’t clear. The seating entrance is nearer to the zoo side."
Kathleen Allen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Centennial Hall is a prominent landmark, often accessible by public transport depending on its location. For events, parking can be challenging; research official event parking or consider ride-sharing services to avoid issues.
Parking near Centennial Hall can be difficult, especially during major events. Some visitors have reported issues with permits and ticketing. It's advisable to check the official Centennial Hall website or event-specific information for designated parking areas and potential costs.
Accessibility by public transport will depend on the specific city and location of Centennial Hall. It's recommended to check local transit maps or use a journey planner for the most up-to-date information on bus or train routes serving the venue.
Yes, drop-off points are usually available near major venues like Centennial Hall. This can be a good option to avoid parking hassles, especially during busy event times. Confirm specific drop-off zones with event organizers if possible.
For concerts at Centennial Hall, many advise arriving early to navigate parking or opting for public transport or ride-sharing to bypass potential traffic and parking woes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for events at Centennial Hall are typically available through the official venue website, authorized ticketing partners, or the Centennial Hall box office. Always purchase from reputable sources to avoid counterfeit tickets.
Opening hours for Centennial Hall vary greatly depending on whether there is an event scheduled. For general visits to the grounds or visitor center, check the official website. For events, doors usually open 30-60 minutes prior to the start time.
For popular shows or exhibitions at Centennial Hall, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot and potentially get better pricing.
Re-entry policies at Centennial Hall typically depend on the specific event. Most large venues do not allow re-entry after leaving. Check the event's terms and conditions or venue policy beforehand.
Discounts for Centennial Hall tickets may be available for students, seniors, or group bookings, depending on the event. Keep an eye on the official ticketing channels for any special offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Seating at Centennial Hall can vary. Some reviews mention wooden seats that are close together and can be uncomfortable for longer periods, especially for taller individuals.
Sound quality at Centennial Hall can be inconsistent. Some visitors have noted issues with distortion or poor balance, particularly at the beginning of performances.
Ventilation at Centennial Hall can be a concern, with reports of it being hot and stuffy inside during events, suggesting inadequate air conditioning.
Amenities at Centennial Hall can be limited. Notably, there have been complaints about the lack of still water for purchase and expensive, unchilled drinks.
Photography policies at Centennial Hall usually depend on the event. For concerts or performances, personal photography might be restricted. Check with event staff or signage upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options at Centennial Hall can be limited and expensive. While drinks are available, they may not be refrigerated, and there's a notable lack of still water for purchase.
Bringing outside food and drinks into Centennial Hall is generally not permitted for ticketed events. It's best to consume items before entering or purchase them from the venue.
Depending on its location, there may be restaurants and cafes near Centennial Hall. It's advisable to check local listings or maps for dining options in the vicinity before or after your visit.
Drinks at Centennial Hall are reported to be expensive. Visitors have noted that even basic items like water can be pricey and not properly chilled.
Yes, there is typically a bar or concession stands at Centennial Hall where drinks can be purchased. However, be prepared for potentially high prices and limited options.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior architecture and the surrounding formal gardens offer excellent photo opportunities at Centennial Hall. The grand scale and unique design make for striking images.
Tripod usage at Centennial Hall is usually restricted, especially during events, to ensure safety and clear pathways. Check venue rules or inquire with staff for specific guidelines.
While the venue itself is visually impressive, event photography can be challenging due to lighting conditions and potential restrictions on professional equipment.
Photography restrictions at Centennial Hall often depend on the event. Flash photography is usually prohibited during performances, and professional camera equipment may require special permits.
The best time for exterior photos of Centennial Hall is often during the golden hours (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) for soft, flattering light, or during daylight to capture its full architectural detail.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For events, consider the duration and nature of the performance to ensure it's suitable for younger audiences. The visitor's center might offer interactive elements like VR experiences that could appeal to older children interested in history and architecture.
💰 Budget Travelers
Researching cheaper parking alternatives or utilizing public transport can also help manage costs. Look for potential discounts on tickets if available for specific events.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Significance of Centennial Hall
Beyond its functional use, the hall is surrounded by formal gardens, which enhance its aesthetic appeal and provide a serene environment for visitors. The historical context and the architectural ingenuity behind its construction make it a significant landmark, offering a glimpse into past engineering and design philosophies.
For those interested in its history, a visitor's center often provides detailed information, including VR experiences that can further enrich the understanding of the hall's past and its impact. Its role as a filming location, such as for the Hunger Games movie, adds another layer of modern cultural relevance.
Navigating Event Experiences at Centennial Hall
Sound quality has also been noted as inconsistent, with some performances experiencing initial audio issues. Furthermore, the availability and quality of refreshments are frequently mentioned drawbacks; expect expensive drinks that may not be refrigerated, and a lack of basic necessities like still water for purchase.
Seating can also be a point of discomfort, with wooden seats that are close together, potentially making longer events challenging for some attendees. Careful planning regarding hydration and comfort is advised before attending an event here.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit