Plan Your Visit
We’re Worth the drive…
…and Mobile is worth a weekend stay. If you’re from out-of-town we have a message for you: You’ve got to hear this! The Mobile Symphony is the Gulf Coast’s flagship arts organization and one of the nation’s top regional orchestras. We’re clearly worth a drive, and Mobile is worth a weekend stay. All Mobile Symphony concerts are performed in the historic Saenger Theatre, located in the heart of Downtown Mobile’s entertainment district. That puts you within steps of dozens of great attractions, restaurants, shops, bars, museums and scenic vistas into the bay and delta. Find out more about what Mobile has to offer at the Visit Mobile website. Mobile is your destination for great music and great fun. Come celebrate with us!
Lodging
You can get information on lots of great hotel and lodging options and take advantage of discounts for MSO attendees at the Visit Mobile website. To view the special Mobile Symphony package offers at the hotels below, click the image.
The Admiral Hotel
(251) 432-8000
The Battle House Hotel
(251) 338-2000
Directions & Parking
Saenger Theatre
The Saenger Theatre is located at 6 South Joachim Street in Downtown Mobile.
Parking
Parking is available in several public parking lots located near the Theatre. One is located on Government Blvd. directly across the street from the Theatre; the other is located on the corner of Jackson Street & St. Francis Street approximately 2 blocks to the North of the Theatre. Please follow this link for more parking info.
If driving from Daphne, Fairhope, Spanish Fort, or Pensacola
I-10 West to Government Street Exit. Proceed through Wallace Tunnel. Upon emerging from tunnel, get in right hand lane. Approximately 3 blocks make right hand turn into Central Parking Lot. Theatre directly across the street on North side of parking lot.
If driving from Foley, Gulf Shores, or Orange Beach: US 98 North to I-10 West
Proceed to Government Street exit and through the Bankhead Tunnel. Upon emerging from tunnel, get in right hand land. Approximately 3 blocks make right hand turn into Central Parking Lot. Theatre directly across the street on North side of parking lot.
If driving from Prichard, Saraland, or Montgomery: I-65 South to I-165 South
Proceed on I-165 to Water Street. Follow Water Street to Government Street – turn right on Government Street and proceed approximately 4 blocks to Central Parking Lot. Theatre is directly across the street on North side of parking lot.
If driving from Biloxi, Pascagoula, New Orleans, or Theodore: I-10 East to Water Street Exit
Water Street to Government Street – turn left and proceed approximately 4 blocks. Get in right hand lane and turn right into Central Parking Lot. Theatre is directly across the street on North side of parking lot.
If driving from Mobile Regional Airport or West Mobile: Airport Boulevard to I-65 South
Proceed to I-10 East to Water Street; Water Street to Government Street – turn left. Approximately 4 blocks, get in right hand lane and turn right into Central Parking Lot. Theatre is directly across the street on North side of parking lot.
If driving from West Mobile on Dauphin Street
Follow Dauphin Street all the way into the Downtown Mobile area. Turn right on Joachim Street. Theatre is one-half block on right.
Saenger Theatre History
The Mobile Symphony has performed in the historic Saenger Theatre since 1997. Built as part of a chain of Saenger Theatres along the Gulf Coast, Mobile’s Saenger opened on January 19, 1927, and hosted everything from vaudeville shows to silent films. It also was the setting for the first America’s Junior Miss pageant in 1958. Construction cost approximately $500,000 and took a year to complete. The Saenger’s style was intended to resemble European opera houses and the decoration was inspired by classical Greek mythology and Mobile’s coastal location.
The theater was closed in 1970 and later, like many of America’s grand movie palaces, was prepared for demolition. On the eve of its destruction, the University of South Alabama bought the Saenger, and the theater was renovated and reopened as the USA Saenger Theatre, a performing arts center.
In 1999, the City of Mobile purchased the Saenger from USA. A nonprofit organization, the Centre for the Living Arts, Inc., was formed in 2000 to operate the theater. The CLA, with generous donations from the community, restored the historic building to its former glory at a cost of about $6 million. In early 2013, the CLA ended its contract and management of the Saenger. It is now in the hands of OVG, Oak View Group.
In 2014, the Mobile Symphony was pleased to donate a new $373,000 acoustical shell to the City of Mobile for use in the Saenger Theatre. The shell consists of movable white panels that are situated around and above the orchestra during a performance. This structure optimizes the sound of our musicians so that the softest stroke of a bow can be heard in the farthest seat.
Venue info
Personal Property
We regret that the management cannot be responsible for patrons’ personal apparel or property. Lost and found inquiries may be directed to the Saenger Theatre’s administrative offices, 251-208-5605.
Photographs & Recording
Cameras and recording devices may not be brought into the Theatre without the consent of the Saenger Theatre Management. Please note that recording in any form of a live performance may be a violation of federal copyright laws.
Telephones
Emergency calls may be received on the Saenger Theatre’s courtesy phone, at 251-208-5610. As a courtesy to other patrons, please disconnect electronic paging devices and turn off cellular telephones.
Food and Beverages
Beverage service is available in the lobbies before performances and during intermissions. Alabama law prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to minors. No outside food or beverages may be brought into the auditorium.
Fire Notice
The exit sign nearest the seat you occupy is the shortest route to the street in the event of fire or other emergency. Please follow the instructions of ushers or other theatre personnel.
Smoking
The Saenger Theatre is a smoke-free facility.
Restrooms
Restrooms are located in the Arcade and on the mezzanine and balcony levels.
Temperature
It is recommended that patrons who are prone to feeling cold in air conditioned spaces bring a light jacket.
Merchant partners – Members Only
Various local merchants have partnered with us to provide our season members with exclusive discounts and offers. If you are a member, you can obtain these great deals by presenting your Membership Card. Below is a list of our 2024-2025 Merchant Partners and what they will be offering. Be sure to be on the lookout for additions throughout the season!
The Trellis Room Restaurant at the Battle House Hotel
26 North Royal Street
Mobile, AL 36602
10% off dinner tab (excluding alcoholic beverages)
Complimentary valet parking
The Noble South
203 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL 36602
Free appetizer with purchase of entree. Available only during concert weekends.
T.P. Crockmiers
250 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL 36602
Free House-made Bread Pudding w/Whiskey Sauce (Limit is 2 per Membership card) with purchase of entree. Available only during concert weekends
Mediterranean Sandwich Company – Downtown Mobile
274 Dauphin Street
Mobile, AL 36602
10% purchase
Take Note! Pre-Concert Talk
Learn more. Enjoy more. Take Note!
Enhance your concert experience with Take Note! Join music experts and explore the world of classical music from an in-depth perspective. This informative pre-concert talk begins at 6:30 p.m. before Saturday classical performances and 1:30 p.m. before Sunday classical performances in Room 1927, adjacent to the Saenger entrance on Joachim Street.
Take Note! is available for the following performances
Beethoven & Blue Jeans November 9 & 10, 2024
Modern Romance February 8 & 9, 2025
The Best of the Best April 5 & 6, 2025
Handel’s Messiah April 26 & 27, 2025
Symphonie Fantastique May 17 & 18, 2025
