5 Best Performing Arts Venues in Central Business District, Denver

This huge complex, composed of an impressively high-tech group of theaters, hosts more shows—from classical orchestras to interactive experiences to Hamilton—than any other performing arts center in the world. Spread over a four-block area, the eight theaters are connected by a soaring glass archway to a futuristic symphony hall. The complex anchors are the round Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, built in 1991, and the ornate Ellie Caulkins Opera House, which occupies the former Auditorium Theatre built in 1908. The other six theaters include the small Garner Galleria Theatre and the midsize Kilstrom Theatre. The symphony, ballet, and opera have their seasons here. The complex has been run by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts since 1972.

From September to June, the orchestra performs in the Boettcher Concert Hall, as well as playing ensemble concerts at venues around the city and a popular summer Symphony on the Rocks series at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre near Morrison.

Presenting high-caliber repertory theater, including new works by promising playwrights, this company takes over the intimate stages (attendees are never more than 13 rows from the action) at the Bonfils Theatre Complex, part of the Denver Performing Arts Complex.

World-renowned for its superior acoustics and a Figaro seat-back tilting system that allows attendees to follow the text of the opera, the magnificent Ellie Caulkins Opera House has red-velvet seating and a lyre shape, ideal for full-bodied sound travel. The cherrywood-accented theater, in the Newton Auditorium, is where Opera Colorado presents its spring season, often with internationally renowned artists.

Designed by renowned local architect Temple H. Buell in the art deco style in 1930, the lovingly maintained Paramount in downtown Denver is both an elegant place to see shows and a rowdy, beer-serving party location for rock fans to enjoy large-scale concerts.