Symphony Hall is considered one of the best music halls in the world. The hall, which opened its doors in 1900, was the first concert hall to consider acoustic principles in its construction. The designers built the walls of the stage sloping inward to help focus the sound. The side balconies are shallow so none of the sound is trapped, and the recesses of the ceiling, along with the statue-filled niches along the three sides, help distribute the sound throughout the hall. Except for the hall’s wooden floors, the Symphony is comprised of brick, steel and plaster, with very little ornamentation.

The Hall seats 2,625 people during the BSO season and 2,371 during the Pops season. If you visit the Symphony, check out a few of the hall quirks. Beethoven’s was the only name inscribed on the plaque that trims the balcony because it was believed he was the only composer whose popularity would not change. Also, the Boston Music Hall initials, “BHM,” can be found on the stairwell banisters at the Huntington Avenue side as this was to be the original entrance.