The Mann Center For The Performing Arts
The Mann Center, with its 5,000 covered seats, 4,500 outdoor seats and an expansive, 4,000-capacity lawn, is one of the best outdoor concert venues in the region.
Founded in 1935, the non-profit was built to be the summer venue for the Philadelphia Orchestra and was originally called Robin Dell Concerts. In 1976, the Mann moved to its current outdoor location and was renamed the Mann Music Center, in honor of a particularly generous businessman named Frederic R. Mann.
Later, in 1998, the Mann Music Center became "The Mann Center for the Performing Arts" and broadened its program to include not only music, but other performance art genres.
Today, the Mann Center offers fabulous entertainment ranging from classical and orchestral music to rock concerts and stand-up comedy.
Location:
The Mann Center for the Performing Arts
52nd & Parkside Ave.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19131
215-878-0400
www.manncenter.org
Gates open at 6 p.m. for events unless otherwise noted.
2011-2012 Season: This season, the Mann Center hosts the likes of R. Kelly (7/3), Death Cab for Cutie (8/5) and Bob Dylan (8/17). And of course, there are classical concerts and other artistic performances on the schedule as well. For more information on the current season, click here.
Seating: The Mann Center has three different seating areas. Covered seats are nearest the stage and are the most expensive at upwards of $35. Uncovered seats usually fall somewhere around $25, and lawn seating (or general admission) costs $10 and up.
While the lawn seating is wonderful, inexpensive and fun for families, it's important to remember that the lawn is first come, first serve. Performances go on rain or shine, and there are no refunds for bad weather, so if you're really dying to see a performance without the possibility of getting soaked, it's probably worth it to play it safe and opt for covered seats.
To see a seating chart, click here.
Tickets: As previously stated, tickets to Mann Center shows cost $10 and up. Click here for more info.
For most performances, children of all ages (including babies) must have a ticket. For lawn seating at Philadelphia Orchestra performances, children 5 – 12 are free with a paid adult.
Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. For more info, call 215-546-7900 ext. 100 or email marketing@manncenter.org
If you're picking up your tickets at Will Call, make sure to bring ID and the credit card you used to purchase them. Will Call is located at The Mann Center Box Office (also at 52nd & Parkside). And, if someone other than the person who ordered is picking up the tickets at the Box Office, remember to let the clerks know that person's name.
Note: All ticket sales are final. Refunds are only available if the show is canceled.
Education: The Mann Center has several educational initiatives.
The Young People's Concert Series features free, culturally diverse concerts and performances geared towards kids and teens. For more information on the 2011 Season, click here.
Arts Teach @ the Mann began in 2007 with the completion of the Field Education Center, a large studio designed so that kids could participate in workshops, lectures and demonstrations at the Mann. Currently, Arts Teach provides free transportation and arts-based educational programs to over 5,000 kids. For more info, click here.
Connecting Arts-N-Schools brings the performing arts directly to city elementary and middle schools. For more on the program, click here.
Additionally, the Access the Arts program provides free tickets through charitable organizations. Over 50,000 complimentary tickets are donated through more than 350 charitable organizations.
Giving: To donate to the Mann Center or its initiatives, click here.
Still have questions? Visit the FAQ section on the Mann Center's website.
