Hippodrome Theatre
Historic France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored vaudeville venue hosting top touring Broadway shows.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better seats
Hippodrome Theatre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better seats

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, a beautifully restored vaudeville venue hosting top touring Broadway shows.
"This beautiful theater gave us a wonderful experience in attending 'Come From Away.'"
🎟️ Book Broadway Tours Early
Popular shows like The Lion King sell out fast! Book your Hippodrome tickets well in advance.
📏 Legroom Can Be Tight
Balcony seats may have limited legroom. Consider this when choosing your seats for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Broadway National Tours
Main Stage
Experience world-class touring productions of Broadway's biggest hits, from musicals to plays.

Historic Architecture
Throughout the venue
Marvel at the beautifully restored vaudeville-era interiors and inspiring historic architecture.

Special Engagements
Main Stage
Catch unique performances, concerts, and comedy shows beyond traditional Broadway tours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Legroom & Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Broadway Tours Early
Popular shows like The Lion King sell out fast! Book your Hippodrome tickets well in advance.
📏 Legroom Can Be Tight
Balcony seats may have limited legroom. Consider this when choosing your seats for comfort.
🚗 Nearby Parking Available
While there's no attached parking, convenient lots are located nearby.
✨ Dress to Impress
Some visitors enjoy dressing up for a more elevated theater experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Broadway Tours Early
Popular shows like The Lion King sell out fast! Book your Hippodrome tickets well in advance.
📏 Legroom Can Be Tight
Balcony seats may have limited legroom. Consider this when choosing your seats for comfort.
🚗 Nearby Parking Available
While there's no attached parking, convenient lots are located nearby.
✨ Dress to Impress
Some visitors enjoy dressing up for a more elevated theater experience.
📱 Check Show Times
Confirm showtimes and any potential schedule changes on the official Hippodrome website.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Hippodrome Theatre for its stunning historic architecture and the high quality of touring Broadway productions. The venue offers a grand atmosphere for experiencing major shows. However, some guests find the seating, particularly legroom in certain areas, to be cramped, and concession prices are noted as being on the higher side.
"Great venue. My wife and I came here to see Josh Johnson, and the experience was very enjoyable. Convenient parking, where I was able to fully charge my vehicle for free. Seating was comfortable and acoustics were very good. The theater itself is beautifully decorated. The $65 I paid for 2 mixed drinks and 2 bags of shareable size M&Ms was a bit much, but that's entertainment. Overall a wonderful outing."
Willie Hicks
"This beautiful theater gave us a wonderful experience in attending "Come From Away." The history and lovely architecture were inspiring and the performance was awesome. Our only problem was the tiny amount of legroom in the balcony seats. I'm hoping seats in other areas have a bit more space."
nancy wenner
"I always want to go to the Hippodrome! I am glad I made a decision to go while the Lion King is here on tour. It was the best money I spent going to this show. The show performance was very professional. Everything from the props to staging to sounding to performance to the chorgraphy was perfect. I am giving a 4 star because it was very tight and there was no spacing for moving your feet. Or easy access to going to the restroom. But I guess the theater 🎥 at the time of the building wanted to fit as many people as they could in the bleachers. But it's very nice on the outside and inside. There is no parking attached to the building, but it's nearby parking very close by."
Dee Castor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hippodrome Theatre is located at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center in Baltimore. It's accessible by car, with several parking garages nearby. Public transportation options, including buses and light rail, also serve the downtown area. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient routes.
There is no parking directly attached to the Hippodrome Theatre. However, numerous parking garages and lots are located within walking distance. Some reviews mention convenient nearby parking.
One visitor mentioned being able to charge their vehicle for free at a nearby parking location, suggesting that some parking facilities may offer EV charging. It's best to confirm with specific parking providers.
For popular Broadway shows like 'The Lion King,' many visitors opt for driving and using nearby parking garages. Others utilize public transport to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
While the theater itself is well-regarded, one review mentioned concerns about the surrounding area, particularly regarding cleanliness and safety during evening hours. Planning your arrival and departure with these factors in mind is advisable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the Hippodrome Theatre, officially the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, can be purchased through their official website, authorized ticket retailers like Ticketmaster, and at the box office. It's recommended to buy in advance for popular shows.
The Hippodrome Theatre schedule features a variety of Broadway tours, concerts, and special events. You can find the most up-to-date schedule on the official Hippodrome website or through Broadway Across America.
Discount tickets may be available for select performances or through special promotions. Keep an eye on the Hippodrome's official website and social media for any announced deals. Sometimes lotteries or rush tickets are offered for Broadway tours.
Box office hours can vary. It's best to check the official Hippodrome Theatre website for the most current information on box office operating hours before your visit.
Typically, most theaters, including the Hippodrome, do not allow re-entry after exiting the venue. Once you leave, you generally cannot re-enter. Always check the specific venue's policy before your visit.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The Hippodrome Theatre offers various seating sections, including orchestra, mezzanine, and balcony. While the venue is historic and beautiful, some patrons report limited legroom, especially in the balcony.
One Reddit user noted a recurring observation of people needing medical attention or passing out during shows, particularly in midweek evening performances. While this may not be a universal experience, it's something to be aware of.
There isn't a strict dress code, but some patrons prefer to dress up for a more formal theater experience, especially for Broadway shows. Others opt for smart casual attire.
The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center is generally accessible. They offer accessible seating and accommodations. It's recommended to contact the box office in advance to discuss specific needs.
Upon entering, you'll go through a security screening, which includes a medical detector and bag check. This process is generally reported as speedy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Hippodrome Theatre offers concessions inside, including mixed drinks and snacks like M&Ms. However, prices can be high, with one reviewer noting $65 for two drinks and two bags of M&Ms.
Yes, the Hippodrome Theatre is located in downtown Baltimore, which has a wide array of restaurants and dining options nearby. You can find various cuisines to enjoy before or after a show.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the Hippodrome Theatre. Concessions are available for purchase within the venue.
The Hippodrome Theatre serves a selection of beverages, including mixed drinks. Be prepared for typical theater pricing for these items.
Concession menus can vary, but typically include standard snacks like popcorn and candy. For more specific dietary needs, it's advisable to dine at a nearby restaurant before the show.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography and videography are generally prohibited during performances at the Hippodrome Theatre to avoid disrupting the show and other patrons. This is standard practice for most live theater productions.
Yes, the Hippodrome Theatre boasts beautiful historic architecture, making it a great spot for photos before the show or during intermission. The exterior is also quite striking.
Focus on the ornate details of the interior, the grand facade, and the energy of the crowd before the show begins. Avoid flash photography during performances.
Cell phones are allowed, but they must be silenced and put away during the performance. Using them for photos or videos during the show is typically not permitted.
During performances, lighting is focused on the stage. For general photography of the venue, ambient light and available light are your best bet. Consider a camera with good low-light capabilities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When bringing children, consider booking matinee performances as they often have a more relaxed atmosphere and are scheduled at times that better suit younger schedules. While legroom can be tight, the excitement of seeing a beloved show on a grand stage often outweighs this concern for kids. Ensure you have a plan for nearby parking and factor in time for security checks to avoid rushing.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on expenses, consider dining at restaurants outside the theater district before your show, as concessions inside can be pricey. While parking is available nearby, exploring public transportation options could be a more economical choice if feasible for your travel plans.
💖 Couples & Date Nights
Consider dressing up to enhance the romantic atmosphere, as some patrons enjoy a more formal theater outing. Pair your evening with a pre-show dinner at one of Baltimore's many restaurants located near the venue, and perhaps enjoy a post-show drink to cap off the night. The historic ambiance of the Hippodrome itself adds a touch of timeless charm to any romantic occasion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hippodrome's Rich History
Over the decades, the Hippodrome has hosted a wide array of entertainers and productions, cementing its place in the city's cultural landscape. Today, it primarily serves as a premier destination for touring Broadway shows, bringing world-class theater to Baltimore audiences. The venue's commitment to restoration ensures that visitors can still experience the magic of its past while enjoying contemporary performances.
Visitors often praise the theater's beautiful interiors and inspiring architecture, noting it as a significant part of the overall experience. While some reviews mention practical concerns like legroom, the historical significance and aesthetic appeal of the Hippodrome remain a major draw for attendees.
Experiencing Broadway at the Hippodrome
To make the most of your Broadway experience, it's highly recommended to book your Hippodrome tickets well in advance, especially for highly anticipated shows. Popular productions often sell out quickly, and early booking can also secure better seating options. Checking the official Hippodrome schedule regularly will keep you informed about upcoming tours and performance dates.
While the theater offers a fantastic viewing experience, some patrons have noted that legroom can be limited, particularly in certain seating sections. If comfort is a top priority, it might be worth researching specific seating charts or contacting the box office for recommendations. Despite this, the overall consensus is that seeing a Broadway show at the Hippodrome is a memorable and worthwhile event.
Navigating Your Visit: Practical Tips
Concessions are available inside the theater, offering drinks and snacks. However, be prepared for typical theater pricing, which can be on the higher side. One reviewer noted a significant cost for drinks and snacks, suggesting that budgeting for these extras is important.
For those concerned about comfort, legroom has been mentioned as a potential issue in some seating areas, particularly the balcony. If you have longer legs or prioritize ample space, researching seat locations or inquiring with the box office might be beneficial. Despite these minor points, the overall sentiment from visitors is positive, highlighting the venue's beauty and the quality of the performances.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit