Overture Center for the Arts
A modern, elegant performing arts center in Madison, WI, hosting Broadway tours, concerts, dance, and more.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for Broadway and musicals
Overture Center for the Arts
Best Time
Best for Broadway and musicals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern, elegant performing arts center in Madison, WI, hosting Broadway tours, concerts, dance, and more.
"The Overture Center is an absolutely stunning venue right in the heart of Madison, Wisconsin."
🎭 Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Wicked and Hamilton are huge hits! Secure your tickets early to avoid missing out. :ticket:
🚗 Parking Patience
The Overture's garage can be slow post-show. Plan your exit or use nearby lots. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Broadway Tours
Various theaters within the center
Experience world-class musicals like Wicked and Hamilton right in Madison. A must-see for theater lovers!
+1
Live Orchestra Performances
Various theaters within the center
Enjoy magical experiences like Harry Potter with a live orchestra. A unique and enchanting event!
Diverse Performing Arts
Multiple venues
From comedy shows to contemporary ballet, the Overture hosts a wide array of artistic expressions.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
+1Parking & Arrival
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎭 Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Wicked and Hamilton are huge hits! Secure your tickets early to avoid missing out.
🚗 Parking Patience
The Overture's garage can be slow post-show. Plan your exit or use nearby lots. :car:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Look for themed backdrops and posters for fun photos, especially during popular shows! +1 :camerawithflash:
💧 Check for Water Issues
Rarely, shows can be cancelled due to unexpected issues like water outages. Stay updated! :warning:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎭 Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Wicked and Hamilton are huge hits! Secure your tickets early to avoid missing out.
🚗 Parking Patience
The Overture's garage can be slow post-show. Plan your exit or use nearby lots. :car:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Look for themed backdrops and posters for fun photos, especially during popular shows! +1 :camerawithflash:
💧 Check for Water Issues
Rarely, shows can be cancelled due to unexpected issues like water outages. Stay updated! :warning:
✨ Dress Comfortably
While some dress up, comfort is key for enjoying long performances.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Overture Center for its stunning architecture, excellent acoustics, and friendly, professional staff. It's lauded as a top-tier venue for Broadway shows and diverse performing arts, making it a cultural gem in Madison. Some minor concerns have been raised regarding price transparency for certain services and potential exit delays from the parking garage.
"We loved having our wedding at the Overture Center! We worked with Mary as our event manager and Haley as the catering coordinator, and both were wonderful. You can tell that the Overture staff are pros at hosting all kinds of events - they had great questions, guidance, and efficiency at every step of the process. We even sprung a few surprises on them the day before/day of and they went out of their way to help us make them successful. We really clicked with Mary in particular and appreciated her thoughtful approach and sense of humor!
The space was beautiful - we had our ceremony and cocktail hour in the Upper Lobby (the balcony on the third floor), and reception in the Wisconsin Studio. With 52 guests, these spaces felt perfect - intimate but not cramped. And it was great not to have to worry about weather for our wedding weekend.
Overall, a 10/10 experience - would recommend the Overture as an event venue!"
Amani DeHolton
"My husband and I attended the matinee 1pm showing of Wicked. I was absolutely blown away! It was everything and more that I could've hoped for! The staff were all super friendly! Many offered their assistance as needed or to assist in guiding people to their area. A really nice staff even offered to take a picture for me of my husband and I which I really appreciate and know is above and beyond! It was easy to navigate despite how large the theater is. They were well organized despite how large of a venue it is. They had an officer walking around for safety. They had themed green and pink lights. Had witch hats floating which was a super fun idea. There were themed drinks and food. They had a large poster board for a photo opportunity and also one of the best opportunities imo was the large window poster outside. We had a really great experience!"
Pakou Lo
"We loved having our wedding at Overture! It was a stunning and spectacular day and everyone commented on how beautiful and great of a wedding it was and a lot of that was due to Overture. Kelsey and then Allie were our points of contact and they were superb. They were very responsive and answered all of our questions in great detail. The venue is gorgeous with a lot of natural light that makes for great pictures rain or shine and also has clean lines.
We had an initial tour and then the walkthrough 1-2 months out. We did the ceremony on Upper Lobby, cocktail hour on Promenade Terrace and Promenade Lobby, and reception in Main lobby. Allie mocked up our floor plans several times to accommodate all of our tweaks, which was so appreciated.
Allie worked very well with our wedding coordinator and the caterer. Allie was able to secure a hideaway space for us on the day of. Allie is a very nice person in general! The caterer/Overture handled the welcome sign in the lobby, the bathroom signs, and the signature cocktail signs, which shortened my to do list. Overture even let us into the main concert hall for pictures.
I would have appreciated a bit more price transparency from Overture. After Allie suggested it, we requested Overture move the couches from one place to another and we didn’t realize it cost $300. We may not have done that if we had known there was a cost. Overall, we had a wonderful experience before and during the day of our wedding with Overture and would recommend them to anyone!!"
Emmy Seitanakis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Overture Center is located in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. It's easily accessible by car, public transportation, and is a pleasant walk from many downtown hotels. If driving, the Overture Center has its own dedicated parking garage, though it can be busy after shows.
The Overture Center offers a pay-per-hour parking garage directly attached to the venue. Be prepared for potential delays exiting after a popular performance. Other downtown parking garages and street parking are also available nearby.
Yes, Madison's Metro Transit system serves the downtown area, with several bus routes stopping near the Overture Center. Check the Metro Transit website for specific route information and schedules.
Yes, there is a convenient drop-off area at the main entrance of the Overture Center, making it easy for those being driven or using ride-sharing services.
The Overture Center is committed to accessibility. Accessible parking, elevators, and seating are available. It's recommended to contact the box office in advance to discuss specific needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the Overture Center's official website, by phone, or in person at the Overture Center Box Office. For popular shows like Wicked or Hamilton, booking well in advance is highly recommended.
The Overture Center's box office hours are typically Monday-Friday, 10 AM - 5 PM, and Saturday 11 AM - 3 PM, with extended hours on performance days. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or groups, depending on the performance. Some shows offer rush tickets or special promotions. Check the individual show pages on the Overture Center's website for details.
Refund and exchange policies vary by performance and are typically handled by the ticketing agent or promoter. It's advisable to review the specific terms and conditions at the time of purchase. In rare cases, performances may be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
Mask policies can change based on current health guidelines. It's recommended to check the Overture Center's website or your event confirmation for the most up-to-date information regarding mask requirements.
🎫 🎭 Onsite Experience
The Overture Center hosts a wide variety of performances, including Broadway tours, musicals, comedy shows, concerts, dance performances, and educational programs.
The Overture Center features multiple venues with various seating configurations. Seats are generally comfortable with good sightlines, and there's often ample legroom.
Yes, concessions are available at the Overture Center, offering a selection of snacks, beverages, and sometimes themed items for specific shows. +1
Generally, photography and videography are prohibited during performances to avoid distracting the performers and other audience members. Check with ushers or signage for specific venue policies.
The Overture Center is known for its modern, elegant, and welcoming atmosphere. It's a beautiful space that enhances the overall experience of attending a live performance.
📸 📸 Photography
Beyond the performance halls, the Overture Center's lobbies and exteriors offer great photo opportunities. Look for themed posters or unique architectural features.
While photography is usually restricted during performances, you might be able to take photos of the theater's interior architecture before the show starts or during intermission, provided it doesn't disrupt other patrons. Always check with staff.
For major productions like Wicked, the Overture Center often provides themed photo backdrops or large posters that fans can use for memorable pictures. +1
The Overture Center has excellent lighting systems for performances, which can create dramatic effects. For general photography in the lobbies, natural light from windows is often abundant.
Selfies are generally fine in public areas like lobbies and outside the venue, as long as you are not obstructing others or violating any specific event rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning a family outing, consider booking tickets for matinee performances, which are often more convenient for younger attendees. The Overture's spacious seating and friendly staff contribute to a comfortable experience for all ages.
💍 Couples & Special Occasions
Many couples have celebrated their weddings at the Overture Center, praising the beautiful venues and the dedicated staff who ensure every detail is perfect.
🎭 Theater Enthusiasts
+1 The venue's excellent acoustics and sightlines ensure an immersive theatrical experience. Beyond Broadway, explore the diverse programming that includes contemporary dance, opera, and touring musical acts.
Keep an eye on their schedule for unique performances that might not be available elsewhere. The Overture Center is a cornerstone of the performing arts scene in Wisconsin. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Overture Center's Architectural Marvel
Inside, the interior design continues the theme of modern elegance. The lobbies are spacious and often feature impressive artwork, making them ideal spots for pre-show mingling or post-show discussions. The careful attention to detail in the woodwork and lighting contributes to a warm and inviting atmosphere, enhancing the overall patron experience.
From grand Broadway productions to intimate chamber music, the versatility of the spaces is a key feature. This architectural design ensures that whether you're attending a large musical or a smaller theatrical performance, the venue itself adds to the magic of the event.
Experiencing Broadway at the Overture
+2Attending a Broadway show at the Overture is often described as an unforgettable experience. The venue's excellent acoustics and comfortable seating ensure that every patron has a fantastic view and clear sound, no matter where they are seated. The staff's friendly and efficient service further enhances the overall enjoyment, making the entire process seamless from ticket purchase to curtain call.
Planning your visit for a Broadway show involves booking tickets well in advance, as these popular productions tend to sell out quickly. Checking the Overture Center's schedule regularly will keep you informed about upcoming tours and performance dates.
+1Beyond the Stage: Events and Community
For event planners, the Overture Center offers a sophisticated and memorable backdrop. The professional event staff are known for their expertise in managing all aspects of an event, from catering coordination to logistical planning, ensuring a smooth and successful occasion.
The center also plays a role in arts education and community engagement, hosting workshops, school field trips, and public art demonstrations. This commitment to the arts extends beyond ticketed performances, making the Overture Center a valuable cultural asset for Madison.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit