Rising from the heart of Boston’s Avenue of the Arts, The Huntington stands amidst the city’s most storied cultural landmarks. A historic 1920s playhouse with a striking domed ceiling and classic horseshoe design, it has long been the flagship venue for Boston’s award-winning Huntington Theatre Company. Known for its architectural elegance and its essential role in shaping the city’s performing-arts identity, the theatre has lived many lives—repertory house, university stage, endangered landmark—and now, after an ambitious restoration, it’s entering a remarkable second act.
Boston is not short of historic theatres, and anchoring the cultural energy of the Fenway–Kenmore neighborhood, the history of The Huntington is inseparable from Boston’s creative evolution, and this season, Candlelight returns to the much beloved venue. The restored Maso Studio will be illuminated with thousands of flickering candles, transforming the century-old space into a dazzling setting for intimate classical and contemporary tribute concerts.
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Why is The Huntington so iconic?
The Huntington embodies nearly a century of Boston’s artistic ambition, architectural grandeur, and civic identity. Built in 1925 as one of the city’s first purpose-designed repertory playhouses, its lavish proscenium arch, ornate detailing, and soaring domed ceiling give it a visual presence unmatched by most regional stages. For decades, it served as the creative home of groundbreaking productions and internationally recognized artists, helping to cement Boston’s reputation as a major American theatre city.
Even during periods of uncertainty and in the face of potential closure, the theatre remained a symbol of the city’s resilience and commitment to the performing arts. Its survival and recent restoration have ensured that the beloved venue will continue to represent the richness of Boston’s theatrical past and the promise of its future for generations to come.
What can you do at The Huntington?
The Huntington theatre hosts a wide variety of events and productions, establishing itself as a full-fledged cultural hub where you can engage with theatre in many ways. Their program is extensive, but here’s a breakdown of what visitors and the community can experience.
See live productions
The Huntington presents a rich seasonal lineup of plays, musicals, and new works from epic dramas to one-night-only works. In addition to their in-house shows, the theatre’s “Huntington Hosts” initiative activates its two venues (the Main Theatre and Calderwood Pavilion) with community-driven events: markets, cabarets, and artist talks.
Discover new writing and emerging voices
Through readings, workshops, and development programs, the theatre champions new playwrights and innovative storytelling. Public presentations and developmental showings offer a glimpse into works-in-progress and the creative process behind the scenes.
Take part in post-show conversations
Many productions are followed by talkbacks, audience discussions, and artist Q&As. These sessions allow theatre-goers to hear directly from actors, directors, playwrights, and designers about the ideas and artistic choices shaping each show.
Attend a Candlelight concert
Candlelight performances offer a completely different way to enjoy the Maso Studio at The Huntington— transforming the theatre with thousands of flickering candles and presenting classical, jazz, and contemporary tributes in an intimate, atmospheric setting. Take a look at the upcoming program here.
Engage with community programs
Initiatives such as EPIC: Empowered Performers in Conversation bring together young people, elders, and local residents to create and perform original theatre rooted in shared experiences. The Student Matinee Series welcomes school groups for special performances paired with study guides and pre-show workshops.
Explore the historic building itself
Visitors can appreciate the theatre’s restored 1920s architecture — from its domed ceiling to its ornate proscenium and elegant lobby spaces. The venue’s renovation ensures preserved heritage and modern comfort coexist in our city, making it a destination for architecture and history enthusiasts as well as theatre lovers.
Attend special events, festivals, and artist conversations
Throughout the year, the Huntington hosts cabarets, guest-artist talks, panel discussions, seasonal community events, and interdisciplinary performances that activate the building beyond mainstage productions.
Where is The Huntington Theatre and how to get there?
The Huntington Theatre is located at 264 Huntington Avenue in Boston’s Fenway–Kenmore district, right in the heart of the city’s celebrated Avenue of the Arts. It sits steps from Symphony Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, and Northeastern University, making it easily accessible by public transport.
The theatre is served by the MBTA Green Line E (Symphony stop) and several bus routes along Huntington Avenue, while nearby garages and limited on-street parking provide options for drivers.
FAQs about The Huntington
Is there parking at The Huntington?
While there isn’t dedicated parking at the theatre, there are several garages nearby and limited on-street parking options. Garages within walking distance include the Gainsborough Garage (10 Gainsborough St.), Greenhouse Garage (150 Huntington Ave), Prudential Garage, Westland Avenue Garage, and Copley Place Garage. Street parking is very limited, but metered spots exist on Huntington Avenue, Massachusetts Avenue, and side streets. For accessibility, there are ADA (accessible) parking spots nearby, such as at Matthews Arena.
Does The Huntington have accessible seating?
Yes. The theatre offers accessible seating, companion seating, assistive listening devices, and mobility-friendly entrances. Guests can request accommodations when purchasing tickets or contact the box office for support.
Can I buy tickets for performances at The Huntington at the door?
Yes, tickets are typically available at the box office on performance days, though popular shows may sell out. For the best availability and pricing, it’s recommended to book online in advance.
Nearby venues in Boston
The Huntington Theatre sits at the heart of Boston’s Avenue of the Arts, surrounded by cultural landmarks and museums like Symphony Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. While the surrounding venues offer a range of performances and exhibitions, the Huntington is unique in hosting Candlelight concerts — immersive, atmospheric concerts where thousands of flickering candles transform the historic auditorium into an unforgettable classical musical experience. Attending a Candlelight concert at the Huntington lets visitors enjoy the theatre’s stunning 1920s architecture while experiencing classical, jazz, and contemporary tributes in a completely unique setting. Find out what concerts they have coming up here.