If you are looking for top-tier entertainment in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the Civic Center Music Hall offers a rich cultural experience. Originally constructed in 1937 as the Municipal Auditorium with New Deal PWA funding and renamed in 1966, this venue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it hosts around 250 performances annually, serving more than 300,000 patrons alongside the Rose State Performing Arts Theatre.
When you visit, you will step inside a grand six-story building that blends neoclassical and Art Deco architectural features. You can explore a vibrant facility housing multiple venues, including the flagship Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre, the Freede Little Theatre, CitySpace, the Meinders Hall of Mirrors, and the Joel Levine Rehearsal Hall. The center boasts a multi-story atrium, balconies, box seats, suites, excellent acoustics, and a hydraulic orchestra pit.
As home to seven professional arts organizations—such as OKC Broadway, Oklahoma City Ballet, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Canterbury Voices, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Rep, and Painted Sky Opera—there is always something compelling to see. Whether attending a grand production or appreciating its storied past, you will find a centerpiece of local history.
What to see at Civic Center Music Hall
- Historic six-story building showcasing neoclassical and Art Deco architectural features
- Home to seven professional arts organizations including OKC Broadway and Oklahoma City Ballet
- Multiple performance venues including the Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre and Freede Little Theatre
- Renovated interior featuring a multi-story atrium, hydraulic orchestra pit, and excellent acoustics
Visiting tips
Keep an eye out for personalized seat back plates inside the Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts Theatre that patrons purchase to support the venue.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: During scheduled performances
How to get there & what’s nearby
Civic Center Music Hall is easy to reach on Oklahoma City’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Oklahoma City National Memorial and Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Oklahoma City travel guide.
See the full Oklahoma City travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.