Long Center for the Performing Arts is one of Austin's major venues for the performing arts. Opened in 2008, the center was created through the transformation of the former Palmer Auditorium, with parts of the original structure and materials incorporated into the new building. Its distinctive circular ring beam was preserved as one of the complex's defining architectural features. The main auditorium, Michael & Susan Dell Hall, offers 2,442 seats and accommodates theatre, opera, ballet, orchestral concerts, and other large-scale performances.
Dell Hall was designed with a strong emphasis on acoustics. Acoustic banners, a purpose-built orchestra shell, protection from exterior noise, and tiered seating help distribute sound throughout the auditorium. Parterre, Mezzanine, and Balcony levels, together with six private boxes, provide a classic theatre setting, while adaptable technical systems allow the hall to host a wide range of performances and productions.
The Long Center is located at 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, United States, on the southern side of Lady Bird Lake. The main parking option is the Palmer Events Center Parking Garage on Barton Springs Road, with access from the Riverside Drive and South First Street area as well as Barton Springs Road. The circular drive beside the Long Center provides a convenient passenger drop-off point and valet service for many performances. Several bus stops are also within a short walk of the entrance; for a broader overview of getting around Austin by public transport, see the city information below.