Hobby Center for the Performing Arts 🇺🇸

Located downtown on the edge of the Houston Theater District, the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts offers you a premier destination for theater and musical performances. Opened in 2002 to replace the Houston Music Hall and Sam Houston Coliseum, this stunning venue features impressive 60-foot-high glass walls that showcase sweeping views of Houston's skyscrapers, Tranquility Park, and Houston City Hall. Designed by Robert A.M.

Stern Architects alongside Morris Architects, the building incorporates limestone, brick, painted steel columns, and a standing seam metal roof. Inside, you will discover two distinct theaters built specifically for world-class entertainment. The 2,650-seat Sarofim Hall, home to Theatre Under the Stars, is acoustically designed for major touring Broadway shows like Wicked, Hamilton, and The Lion King.

Its midnight blue walls, golden latticework, and the Joe and Lee Jamail Celestial Dome Ceiling with twinkling fiber optic stars recreate the Texas night sky. For intimate performances, Zilkha Hall is a 500-seat jewel box venue showcasing local groups through the Uniquely Houston program, including Ars Lyrica Houston and Psophonia Dance Company. You can also admire commissioned art, such as Sol LeWitt’s mural "Wall Drawing 2002" in the Grand Lobby and Tony Cragg’s bronze sculpture "In Minds" at Hines Plaza.

What to see at Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

• Take in views of downtown skyscrapers and Tranquility Park through 60-foot glass walls.
• Marvel at Sarofim Hall's Celestial Dome Ceiling featuring twinkling fiber optic stars.
• Watch major touring Broadway shows inside the 2,650-seat Sarofim Hall.
• Enjoy intimate local performances at the 500-seat Zilkha Hall.
• Admire commissioned artworks by Sol LeWitt in the lobby and Tony Cragg outside at Hines Plaza.

Visiting tips

Be sure to look up inside Sarofim Hall to see the fiber optic stars that replicate the Texas night sky.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Evening

How to get there & what’s nearby

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is easy to reach on Houston’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Houston Zoo and Six Flags AstroWorld. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Houston travel guide.