Academy of Music Restoration Fund
The Academy of Music is owned by The Philadelphia Orchestra. As a venue, the Academy is managed through a legacy contract with the Kimmel Center. Ticket sales from resident companies support everyday maintenance of Academy. Sales do not provide an income stream for any capital improvement projects leaving those investments to ownership. The Restoration Fund Office raises all the money required for the ongoing capital projects that ensure the structural integrity and long-term preservation of the National Historic Landmark.
Cornerstone of Culture
Truly the cornerstone of culture for the Greater Philadelphia Region, the Academy of Music is crucial to the performing arts ecosystem and is a mainstay venue for prominent events. Steadfast resolve is required to ensure this National Historic Landmark is properly conserved and sustained for generations to come.
The Academy of Music offers an exceptional experience for resident performing arts organizations and is fundamental to their performance offerings providing agency to the appeal and draw for patrons and supporters.
Located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, the Academy of Music is easily accessed from all corners of the region readily served by a vibrant restaurant scene, hotels, public transportation, parking lots and is within walking distances for tens of thousands of Philadelphia residents. It is a treasured destination for Philadelphians and tourists alike.
Each year, the Academy of Music is home to more than 206 performances, civic and private events and special occasions bringing more than 300,000 patrons, guests and visitors through its doors.
Cornerstone of Culture
Truly the cornerstone of culture for the Greater Philadelphia Region, the Academy of Music is crucial to the performing arts ecosystem and is a mainstay venue for prominent events. Steadfast resolve is required to ensure this National Historic Landmark is properly conserved and sustained for generations to come.
The Academy of Music offers an exceptional experience for resident performing arts organizations and is fundamental to their performance offerings providing agency to the appeal and draw for patrons and supporters.
Located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, the Academy of Music is easily accessed from all corners of the region readily served by a vibrant restaurant scene, hotels, public transportation, parking lots and is within walking distances for tens of thousands of Philadelphia residents. It is a treasured destination for Philadelphians and tourists alike.
Each year, the Academy of Music is home to more than 206 performances, civic and private events and special occasions bringing more than 300,000 patrons, guests and visitors through its doors.
Did You Know
The Academy first opened it’s doors on January 26, 1857. Originally it was slated to open on January 20th but a huge snowstorm hit which stopped the railroads from running.
Cornerstone of Culture
Truly the cornerstone of culture for the Greater Philadelphia Region, the Academy of Music is crucial to the performing arts ecosystem and is a mainstay venue for prominent events. Steadfast resolve is required to ensure this National Historic Landmark is properly conserved and sustained for generations to come.
The Academy of Music offers an exceptional experience for resident performing arts organizations and is fundamental to their performance offerings providing agency to the appeal and draw for patrons and supporters.
Located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, the Academy of Music is easily accessed from all corners of the region readily served by a vibrant restaurant scene, hotels, public transportation, parking lots and is within walking distances for tens of thousands of Philadelphia residents. It is a treasured destination for Philadelphians and tourists alike.
Each year, the Academy of Music is home to more than 206 performances, civic and private events and special occasions bringing more than 300,000 patrons, guests and visitors through its doors.
Did You Know
The Academy first opened it’s doors on January 26, 1857. Originally it was slated to open on January 20th but a huge snowstorm hit which stopped the railroads from running.
Cornerstone of Culture
Truly the cornerstone of culture for the Greater Philadelphia Region, the Academy of Music is crucial to the performing arts ecosystem and is a mainstay venue for prominent events. Steadfast resolve is required to ensure this National Historic Landmark is properly conserved and sustained for generations to come.
The Academy of Music offers an exceptional experience for resident performing arts organizations and is fundamental to their performance offerings providing agency to the appeal and draw for patrons and supporters.
Located in the heart of Center City Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts, the Academy of Music is easily accessed from all corners of the region readily served by a vibrant restaurant scene, hotels, public transportation, parking lots and is within walking distances for tens of thousands of Philadelphia residents. It is a treasured destination for Philadelphians and tourists alike.
Each year, the Academy of Music is home to more than 206 performances, civic and private events and special occasions bringing more than 300,000 patrons, guests and visitors through its doors.






The Academy of Music Restoration Fund Office raises funds in just two ways:
1. The Annual
Anniversary Concert
and Ball
2. The Restoration and Preservation Fund Annual Giving Campaign
DONATE
The Academy of Music Restoration Fund Office raises funds in just two ways:
1. The Annual Anniversary Concert and Ball
2. The Restoration and Preservation Fund Annual Giving Campaign
DONATE
Our History
The Academy of Music opened its doors in 1857, first for an inaugural ball on January 26th, and then, on February 25th, entrancing a glittering crowd with Verdi’s Il trovatore. Modeled on Milan’s famed La Scala, it is the oldest opera house in the United States still used for its original purpose…but it’s so much more!
Il trovatore set the stage for the Academy’s glorious role in opera. It has hosted the American premieres of Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos, Gounod’s Faust, and Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman. Today, it’s home to Opera Philadelphia, the highly praised company offering everything from repertoire classics to 21st century originals.
The Academy is also sacred ground for orchestral music. It was the home of the storied Philadelphia Orchestra from 1900 to 2001, during which time the Orchestra established itself as one of the world’s greatest, with a vast number of premieres and innovations and, of course, the legendary Philadelphia Sound. The Orchestra returns here each year for the annual Anniversary Concert and Ball.
Our History
The Academy of Music opened its doors in 1857, first for an inaugural ball on January 26th, and then, on February 25th, entrancing a glittering crowd with Verdi’s Il trovatore. Modeled on Milan’s famed La Scala, it is the oldest opera house in the United States still used for its original purpose…but it’s so much more!
Il trovatore set the stage for the Academy’s glorious role in opera. It has hosted the American premieres of Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos, Gounod’s Faust, and Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman. Today, it’s home to Opera Philadelphia, the highly praised company offering everything from repertoire classics to 21st century originals.
The Academy is also sacred ground for orchestral music. It was the home of the storied Philadelphia Orchestra from 1900 to 2001, during which time the Orchestra established itself as one of the world’s greatest, with a vast number of premieres and innovations and, of course, the legendary Philadelphia Sound. The Orchestra returns here each year for the annual Anniversary Concert and Ball.