Newark Symphony Hall
100th Year Anniversary
In 1925, one of Newark’s greatest architectural treasures opened its doors as the Salaam Temple—later evolving into the legendary Newark Symphony Hall. For over a century, the city’s beloved “1st Stage” has welcomed generations of icons and the greatest artists of every era. It has always been where Newark’s voices unite for joy and expression. Now, a bold new chapter begins with a historic restoration that will reimagine the Hall for the future—bringing renewed energy, expanded programs, and greater economic opportunity to the heart of Newark.
Upcoming Events
Soul Line Dance
Momi Maker Day
Orchestra Noir
Newark Symphony Hall marks 100 years, advances $135M restoration project
ROI-NJ was on site for the centennial event, which brought together state and local officials, corporate partners and community members under the theme “Newark’s First Stage: A Centennial Restoration Reveal.”
The program featured remarks from Talia Young, president and CEO of Newark Symphony Hall; Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell; Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka; and New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz. Students from the Cicely Tyson School of Performing and Fine Arts in East Orange opened the ceremony with a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Arts + Education Lab
The Arts + Education Lab is a 30,000-square-foot creative hub for community gathering, artistic expression, and cultural enrichment. The Newark Symphony Hall Arts + Education Lab will feature a state-of-the-art technology lab, practice rooms, dance studios, and a learning center. It will host a variety of interactive programs and classes for people of all ages, ranging from career development courses and creative writing workshops to dance classes and art camps
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Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall
The Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall at Newark Symphony Hall is known as Newark’s First Stage, a historic performance venue with a grand proscenium stage and exceptional acoustics. The hall provides an impressive setting for concerts, theatrical productions, graduations, lectures, and large-scale cultural events.
Ideal for: Concerts, performances, graduations, lectures, and large-scale events
Features: Historic theater design, grand stage, and exceptional acoustics
Location: Main performance venue inside Newark Symphony Hall
Grand Lobby
The Grand Lobby at Newark Symphony Hall is an elegant and welcoming event space located directly outside the historic Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall. Ideal for receptions, cocktail hours, networking events, and pre-show gatherings, it offers a vibrant setting that serves as the gateway to one of Newark’s most celebrated performance venues.
Capacity: Up to 120 guests
Best for: Receptions, cocktail hours, networking events, and pre-show gatherings
Location: Main entrance level, directly outside the Sarah Vaughan Concert Hall
Terrace Ballroom
Blackbox Theater
Newark Symphony Hall is home to the largest Black Box Theater in the region—a highly flexible, multi-use environment designed to foster the growth of the film, television, and live production industries. The restoration will create a state-of-the-art screening theater that will serve as a premier platform for local and national productions to host work-in-progress screenings, premieres, rehearsals, and technical runs for audiences. The space also supports hands-on learning for Arts + Education Lab students, giving emerging actors, filmmakers, and production professionals the opportunity to create, screen, and showcase their work in a fully equipped, professional environment.
The Art Yard
Coming Soon