Beautiful venue! Just enjoyed the Shakespeare Festival and couldn’t be happier. Lovely architecture, great acoustics, welcoming staff, and lots of local eateries nearby. We parked at Washington Park and the fountain was running. Only drawback is the bathrooms, Though lovely, are single stall.
My T.
Place rating: 5 Mason, OH
What a beautiful venue! If you ever get the opportunity to attend a function here — enjoy it! The interior is soooo unqiue. With the windows open and the air circulating — it was just like being outside. Seriously — check this place out if you ever get the chance. It’s one of Cincinnati’s greats!
Tara F.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
If I could give Memorial Hall more than five stars, I would. First of all, hands down, I think this is the most beautiful building in Cincinnati — and a lot of people don’t know about it! Upon walking in the front doors, I knew immediately that I wanted to be married at this venue. In addition to the gorgeous architectural details throughout, the building is full of history. The staff was incredibly easy to work with & Madalyn was just incredible. Thank you, Madalyn, and to the rest of the staff for helping me pull off our dream wedding. I can’t imagine it being any more perfect than it was.
Poco L.
Place rating: 5 West Chester, OH
Grand historic building about to go under renovation. Overlooks Washington Park and next to Music Hall.
Magda C.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
What a nice venue for TedX! Beautiful!
John B.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
I know that«icon, landmark, and treasure» might be a cliché for buildings, but really, there are not many other words to describe Memorial Hall. From the architecture to the decorations, MH oozes old timey charm and is also a great place to see a musical performance, lecture, or film. The acoustics are great and a word of warning, noise from the lobby does travel into the hall, so be quiet if you enter mid performance. ;) The people that run the place are top notch and are able to help make sure your event runs smoothly. I guess one of the only negatives I had there were spotty WiFi and a bit of a draft. Do not pass on the chance to attend an event here.
Robin M.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
I absolutely LOVE Memorial Hall! I’m a local wedding photographer and have shot quite a few events there. The venue couldn’t be better for photos. The light is amazing, its historic, long hallways, cool little hidden rooms, and the staff are wonderful to work with! I’d recommend them for your big day, party, or even just as a great spot in Cincinnati to check out.
David M.
Place rating: 5 Over-the-Rhine, Cincinnati, OH
Memorial Hall’s first Signature Series event drew 500 plus. Don’t miss Final Signature Series event with Sinatra Cover Artist Steve Lippia on April 18! for more
Erin K.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
I grew up in Cincinnati but had never been to Memorial hall before last weekend. The architecture is absolutely stunning. From the murals and tapestries inside of the building to the way the giant windows open, I was in awe. Came here for a fundraiser, drank some beer, ate some yummy food and looked at silent auction items. There were also bands playing which was cool, and while the acoustics aren’t the greatest in this building, it didn’t hinder the experience. Sitting up in the balcony was my favorite part!
Dale H.
Place rating: 4 Cincinnati, OH
What a beautiful venue for the TedX event! It seemed that every seat in the venue had a very good view. It was a nice intimate setting. There was beautiful stenciling on the ceiling both in the auditorium and downstairs in the reception halls, and the architectural details were amazing! But… the seats were hard and there was no a/c, thus the minus one star. Yes, it’s a historical building, but it was uncomfortable after sitting for two hours.
Carolyn B.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
Attended a Tedx event at Memorial Hall yesterday and the venue was spectacular! How could I have lived in Cincinnati for 30 years & have never been there? Let’s get the word out people! The stenciling on the ceiling and walls in the reception room on the main floor had me absolutely gawking! Not to be outdone by the wrought iron and marble staircase that led to the auditorium. Both the history and architecture of this building will blow you away! However, the piece de resistance was definitely the auditorium with it’s acoustics, murals, rich color design and it seemed like there was not a bad seat in the house. It felt at once accommodating, yet almost cozy. On the first floor, there was only one single person restroom, but perhaps that was different on the second floor. I’m looking forward to having a reason to go there again!
Karen D.
Place rating: 4 Cincinnati, OH
Memorial Hall great historical venue in the shadow of its sister Music Hall which has hosted the Music NOW festival for the past few years, you can check out artists in an intimate setting, great views from the main floor or the balcony. During several shows I’ve attended here over the past few years I spend time looking around, viewing the amazing architectural details in the main hall and all over the building. A few things to note due to the age of the building, there is no A/C and single restroom facilities, so ladies expect to wait in line. During the recent Patti Smith show on a warm evening, all of the windows were open for some fresh air, but also every sound can be heard. Patti even lost her concentration due to a car alarm going off and Red’s fireworks nearby.
Chris G.
Place rating: 5 Richmond, IN
Came to Memorial Hall for the Music NOW2013 festival to see Glen Hansard and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus. The life-changing festival concert aside, the venue is absolutely gorgeous and beyond historically impressive. We got there early enough to walk around get a true view of the building itself. There are amazing historical pieces and documents all around the building, including some historical pieces showing the german history of the city of Cincinnati itself. I look forward to the next opportunity I will find to visit this place and enjoy another phenominal music experience!
Rob J.
Place rating: 5 San Francisco, CA
Beautiful space. Needs a bit of love, but Cincinnati is fortunate to have this type of facility.
Sandra F.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
I just recently shot a wedding at this place and absolutely LOVE it! Alot of the furniture and décor are orginal. Colors pop everywhere you go. I know I could spend hours just photographing one spot. If I would’ve known back in 2003 about Memorial Hall, I would have had my wedding ceremony/reception here. It has so much character and history!
Alex S.
Place rating: 5 London, United Kingdom
Memorial Hall couldn’t be prettier building. Gone try to find one. That’s right, you can’t … Ok, maybe you can, but it’s still up there on epic prettiness. Memorial Hall is a beautifully old building in Over-the-Rhine that hosts different events, functions and spaces. I’ve been there for a couple things now actually. I seen speakers speak on its beautifully decorated and gilded stage. I’ve seen the concerts that sound amazing. And I’ve been to parties held throughout the building. Every time I go I am more impressed with this old building. I believe it was designed the same architect who designed City Hall and Music Hall and its shows in everything he created. This is just such a grand space. From the first spacious rooms when you walk in, all wood dark with posters and artifacts and images from Cincinnati early history on its walls and in cases, spread throughout. You will learn just by walking through here. To the upstairs which is really the shining function of this building. The stage of Memorial Hall is just unbelievably pretty. It’s got artwork and murals and engravings and carvings and it’s just a sight to see. And the sound here couldn’t be better. Whether you’re seeing someone speak or listening to a concert, it just feels just the way you want it to. Memorial Hall is also home to the Classical Music Hall of Fame, surprisingly enough, so if that’s your thing you may want to check it out. Plus, George Clooney filmed some of his upcoming movie here. Win times two. This isn’t open all the time so you can’t walk right in. Still, if you get the chance to see it, I of course would take it.
Bridgett R.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
Memorial Hall is one of the best kept secrets in town. It is an incredibly gorgeous building, inside and out. The incredible architectural elements on the outside of the building are just a preview of what you’ll find inside. When you step into Memorial Hall you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. From the wood floors to the intricately carved doors to the marble staircases — it’s something you won’t see in any modern building. The auditorium is beyond stunning. This room is really one huge piece of art. The intricate paintings and details of this room are simply incredible. I saw the interior of Memorial Hall while on the Civil War Cincinnati Tour. I don’t know if the building is ever just open to the public for tours but if you find that it is — GO! It’s amazing!
Rich T.
Place rating: 5 Green Bay, WI
an absolute treat! one of the single greatest, most intimate places i’ve ever witnessed live music.
Kyle H.
Place rating: 5 Chicago, IL
Memorial Hall is a beautiful 150– year old concert hall that seats about 300 people next to Cincinnati’s famed Music Hall. I had the distinct pleasure of attending Day 2 of the Music NOW series held here on a recent trip to Cincinnati. Music NOW is a contemporary music series, now in its fourth season, that brings unique high-quality performers to Cincinnati. The 2009 artist in residence was the Kronos Quartet. The Kronos was joined both days by the fabulous duo the Books. Toumani Diabate, our original Day 2 guest, had to cancel due to a birth in the family, but the Books proved to be a fantastic substitute. Jumping off from pre-recorded samples and guitar layering, the Books are just a guitar and cello duo. Their wry stage banter translated somewhat to their ingenius use of video visuals which they performed in front of. It was an inspirational performance of original music and also impressive that they filled in for the absent Diabate with a different set than on Day 1 of the festival. Day 1 of the Music NOW festival looked interesting; the Kronos played contemporary pieces by John Zorn, Glen Branca, the Arcade Fire and Café Tacuba. Day 2 found them focusing on adaptations of traditional ethnic musics from many countries. We heard music of Iraq, Mexico, India, Greece and blues from America. At times the violinists filled in on native instruments. The principal violinist and the violist were excellent soloists, adapting their classical training seamlessly to the folk idiom. Music Hall is small enough that there’s not a bad seat in the house, with a balcony above the orchestra seating. The Hall has nice reception areas on the main floor that proved perfect for hosting drinks during Intermission and also for the sale of CDs and unique tee shirts made on the spot for the wonderful Music NOW Festival.
Alexandra K.
Place rating: 5 Cincinnati, OH
Memorial Hall is a GORGEOUS building that not many people in this city know exists. Located directly next to Music Hall and right across from Washington Park, it’s in a beautiful and quickly changing neighborhood. It houses several things. First the American Classical Music Hall of Fame makes it’s home here. Second, the Music Hall Box Office is located in the basement(thats where you go to get your tickets before the day of a show). Thirdly, there is one of the most gorgeous and oldest theater auditoriums in the region. It’s so old that it still has lights on the edge of the stage. There are beautiful paintings all over and marble accents everywhere. It’s truly stunning. Many events are held here. One year the Cincinnati Fringe Festival used the space for some plays, the Music Now Festival is here annually, and many special musical programs and events with the museum also take place.